Apprenticeships overlooked by young people
BDO’s recent survey showed that school leaver apprenticeships are still overlooked by more than half of young people, compared to a university degree
The survey of more than 1000 people across England found that more than half (51%) of people aged between 18-24 still believe that a university degree makes you more likely to earn a higher salary than an apprenticeship.
The survey was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of accountancy and business advistory firm BDO in July 2022.
Sarah Hillary, a partner at BDO, said: ‘Despite school leaver apprenticeships being a well-established route into well-paid professions, including accountancy and law, our research demonstrates that there are still misconceptions about this career path.’
The research also found that 49% believe that apprenticeships are better suited to those who don’t get high enough grades to go to university.
Looking at career progression, the survey found that some say an apprenticeship could have a negative impact. More than a third (34%) believed they were less likely to reach the most senior positions within a business if they did an apprenticeship rather than a university degree.
Sarah added: ‘It is also concerning that more than a third believe doing an apprenticeship rather than a degree could be a barrier to reaching the most senior positions within a business.
‘Whilst a university education is still a highly regarded achievement, it can also bring a significant amount of debt and additional costs. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to take hold, university may not always be the most attractive or accessible route for young people, particularly those from a lower socio-economic background.’
The survey also looked into attitudes of education providers and parents and guardians. Almost two thirds (62%) said their school or college encouraged them to go to university rather than apply for an apprenticeship.
This figure was higher for young people in Greater London (70%) and lowest for those in the North East (55%).
More than half (55%) of respondents said their parents or guardians would have preferred them to go to university over an apprenticeship.
The percentage of parents encouraging the university route increased for those from a Black or Asian heritage. Almost three quarters (71%) of those from a Black heritage and 63% of those from an Asian heritage said their parents or guardians would prefer or have preferred them to go to university.
However, a separate survey by BDO recently revealed that apprenticeships could be seen as a more appealing recruitment strategy with almost a third (29%) of the UK’s medium-sized businesses planning to hire more apprentices to attract more talent.
In a new survey from Big Four firm Grant Thornton, it found that an increasing number of employers are looking to hire post A-level students on to apprenticeship programmes.
In 2021, Grant Thornton (recently named in the top 10 of the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022) hired 90 trainees post A-Level – the highest annual intake recorded by the firm.
According to the poll of 608 medium-sized employers, all but one currently recruits post A-Level apprentices.
Just under half (41%) said that secondary school graduate hires are just as important to their business as university graduate hires.
Richard Waite, head of resourcing at Grant Thornton, said: ‘University degrees are not for everyone, and apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to start working towards a professional qualification straight away – and get paid to do it.
‘People who join our firm after A Levels will spend four to five years studying, learning and gaining real, work experience. Not only do they get the all the skills and training they need to become a trusted business and financial advisor, but they could also qualify a year earlier than their peers who go to university and then join as graduates.’
The firm intends to hire even more post A-Level apprentices in 2022 as it seeks to realise its ambition of a 50:50 split in its trainee hire population between university and A level graduates.
Waite added: ‘In our firm, as with the businesses who responded to our survey, we know that apprenticeships are a useful tool to promote social mobility as they increase opportunities for people, providing in-depth, practical learning and development and ensure a future pipeline of diverse talent.
‘With ongoing skills shortages challenging employers, and the increasing cost of living, it is more important than ever for large organisations to provide high quality, paid programmes that provide opportunities for the widest range of talent, creating benefit for both business and people.’
BDO will open applications for its 2023 school leaver apprenticeship programme in September.