More than half of young people put apprenticeships as 'first choice'

New data from research company ICM reveals that 57% of young people in the South West would choose to do an Apprenticeship if one were available.

Nationally, the numbers of young people who would like to do an Apprenticeship rises to 56% of those who are already university students and 66% of those who are already employed, but receiving no training.

The increasing popularity of Apprenticeships among young people comes after previous business research, released earlier in 2013, showed that employers find apprentices 15% 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.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said:
"Apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for school leavers who want to earn while they learn and forge a successful career, as this data shows. We are introducing more than 40 new Higher Apprenticeships this year so young people can now enter areas as diverse as space engineering and law. With exam results out soon, I would urge more young people to consider whether an Apprenticeship could be the right option for them."

David Way, Executive Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said:
“Last year, the National Apprenticeship Service saw a record number of applications for Apprenticeships on A-Level results day, and with up to 17,000 vacancies now available online at any one time, this summer we’re expecting that the number of young people applying for an Apprenticeship could hit a new high.”

“Apprenticeships are a great option for school leavers and are now being seen as the first choice by many young people. It allows them to earn while they learn and gives them a great head start to their working life. We also want more employers to reap the benefits that Apprenticeships have to offer by providing fantastic opportunities to young people.”

Joe Billington, Director of the National Careers Service, said:
“Results day can be a really stressful time for young people and anyone taking exams. The National Careers Service is here to support everyone that is getting their results this month and encourage them look at their options and decide what to do next. There are lots of exciting opportunities out there.”

To help young people access impartial and independent advice, the National Careers Service and National Apprenticeship Service have partnered to create two special services offering advice to young people - and their parents - during the exam results period.

A week-long Jobs Bus roadshow, run in partnership with the Daily Mirror and Fish4Jobs, will tour England from 15th to 22nd August to provide face-to-face workshops and advice to people of all ages in Newcastle, Manchester, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Lewisham and Bromley.

The Jobs Bus will then return after the August bank holiday for a further two-weeks from 5-18 September taking in a further 12 towns and cities. To find out more and to sign up for on-board advice sessions visit jobsbus.org.uk.

In addition, a special #ResultsAdvice service will run on Twitter and Facebook between the 15 and 29 August to give young people the opportunity to ask questions about their exam results, Apprenticeships and wider career options.

The National Careers Service can be contacted free on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm or go online for information and advice or to talk to an adviser via webchat. The young people's section has lots of useful information to help young people make those all important decisions about their future.

On apprentice.tv, a host of information films and guidance on ‘how to apply for an Apprenticeship,’ is being backed by new resources including:

A new ‘How to make a flying start at your Apprenticeship’ film which features three apprentices, employers and a NAS representative offering tips and advice to young people who are about to embark upon an Apprenticeship for the first time.
An online ‘Apprentice Support Pack’ featuring hints and advice on starting an Apprenticeship.