Survey reveals young people’s view on apprenticeships
The survey, conducted by BAE Systems as part of National Apprenticeship Week, asked 2,000 people aged 16 to 24 about their attitudes towards apprenticeships.
Of those surveyed, more than 70 per cent said they would be willing to move to a different area of the UK for an apprenticeship, and six in ten said they would choose an apprenticeship over university.
They said they would choose an apprenticeship over university due to the job security they offer (28 per cent), high starting salaries (28 per cent), and hands-on training (23 per cent).
In fact, more than half of those surveyed (54 per cent) said the ability to earn while learning was the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, and 36 per cent said avoiding student debt was the key reason.
An overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offering significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes.
However, they also identified barriers to apprenticeships, with 35 per cent saying there were limited opportunities, and 32 per cent saying there was a lack of information.
Almost half (44 per cent) said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest, and 89 per cent believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet rising demand.
Industries linked to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) led the way in apprenticeship preferences, with 26 per cent of the young people surveyed expressing interest.
Richard Hamer, HR director of education and skills at BAE Systems, said: “The Apprenticeship Barometer gives a real insight into the aspirations and values of the next generation of the UK workforce.
“It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high-quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security.
“I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country.”
BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate, and graduate roles in 2025, which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15 per cent of its UK workforce.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, Department for Education, said: “Apprenticeships are central to this government’s Plan for Change — they break down barriers to opportunity and equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to go on to rewarding careers.
“They also drive growth by giving businesses the workforce they need in key sectors of the economy.
“It’s great to see BAE Systems, one of our top 100 apprentice employers, backing this mission by recruiting more than 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates in 2025.
“Their commitment demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships can have — helping young people gain hands-on training, access secure and well-paid careers, and power key industries like STEM.”
The closing date for apprenticeships is February 28, 2025.