Apprentices feel vocational training boosts job prospects
Eight out of 10 apprentices say their apprenticeship has boosted their career prospects, according to a government survey.
Employers also praised people taking this vocational route into work, with seven out of 10 saying apprenticeships had improved their product or service quality. A further eight out of 10 businesses said they would recommend them to friends or other employers.
In response to the survey findings, business secretary Vince Cable said: “Despite the tough economic climate we have prioritised funding for apprenticeships. With numbers increasing by more than 80 per cent in the last two years we know they are a popular choice. Today’s survey reinforces this, proving that apprenticeships boost the prospects for both young people and businesses.
“Building a skilled workforce, partly through apprenticeships, will give employers the skills they need to build a stronger economy throughout the UK,” he added.
The survey follows new data released last week which showed that 54 per cent of young people in England would choose to do an apprenticeship if one were available.
Skills minister Matthew Hancock said: “Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for school leavers who want to forge a successful career by earning while they learn. This research shows why they are good news for both young people and employers.
“Whether they want to be a pilot, an accountant or even a space engineer, I would urge teenagers receiving their exam results to consider how an apprenticeship could help them achieve their career goals.
“We want it to become the new norm that young people go either to University or into an apprenticeship.”
Research published in April this year also showed that employers find apprentices 15 per cent more employable than young people with other qualifications. In the study, employers ranked higher apprentices as the most employable of all young people – above those with degrees.