- 79% of young people do not think there is enough information given to them about apprenticeships or career opportunities
- Calls on government for better connectivity between young people and local businesses and apprenticeship providers
A survey of just over 1,000 young people across the UK has revealed that over three quarters (79%) do not think there is enough information given to them about apprenticeships when they’re considering their career options.
Of this group, 60% say more work needs to be done to connect young people with local businesses and apprenticeship providers, while 19% said that this lack of information means those that already know people in certain industries and businesses have an advantage.
The Young Minds survey was commissioned by accounting and advisory firm BDO to provide an indicative snapshot of the career aspirations and challenges of young people, canvassing the views of those between the ages of 18-25 years old.
The survey found that almost half (44%) of young people still believe that attending university will provide more career choices, yet over a third (37%) would also consider undertaking an apprenticeship after their degree to upskill, achieve a master’s degree-level qualification or to train in a specialist area or profession.
Among those who were working or interested in a career in business, finance and accounting, there is a feeling of unequal access. Respondents cited a need for personal contacts and a preference for candidates from a more privileged background among the main reasons behind this perceived inequality.
Anna Draper, Head of People, Culture and Purpose at BDO, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in building an inclusive and highly skilled workforce of tomorrow, yet many young people feel they are still being denied access. This consistent lack of information and education is creating a bottleneck in new talent.
“Greater connectivity between government, businesses and the education system is needed to allow young people to make more informed decisions and to help match them with employers offering apprenticeship opportunities.
“We need to work together to ensure everyone has access to the information, training and high-quality employment they need to reach their potential.”
The reasons young people choose an apprenticeship were varied, with over a third (33%) highlighting being ready to start work as the main reason. A preference to learn on the job was cited by 29%, while 23% said gaining life experience, not just a qualification was important.
Max Whitlock, an audit trainee in BDO’s London office, joined BDO’s apprenticeship programme in 2023 and is due to qualify in 2027. He said: “There needs to be more exposure to apprenticeship information and job opportunities for students. There’s still a perception that if students want to pursue a professional career they must go to university. I now know that’s not true and have seen an increasing trend across industries that show school leavers progressing in their careers.
“I chose an apprenticeship because I knew I wanted to go into accounting and I was ready to start work. It ticked all the boxes for where I wanted to go with my career and enables me to gain a qualification while I am receiving a salary.”
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