Apprenticeships continue to fight old prejudices

Almost a third of those surveyed in study of 2,000 parents saw apprenticeships as a viable option for their children, admitting that five years ago it was not something they would have considered. The survey was commissioned by BAE Systems and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Around two fifths (42%) of respondents said their perception of apprenticeships had changed positively in the last year, while more than two thirds were pleased that apprenticeships are now presented as an attractive option for young people. Sir John Parker, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: "If the UK's industrial strategy is to be successful in its delivery, we will need a much bigger push for apprenticeships and other vocational pathways to engineering careers, so I am delighted to see that perceptions are changing for the better. "Apprenticeships will not only play an important role in helping to meet the increasing demand for engineers and technicians, but I know from first-hand experience that apprenticeships give young people a brilliant start to their engineering careers." A common concern, shared by almost half the parents surveyed, is the amount of student debt that young people can accrue - up to £43,500 – but they acknowledged it didn't put them off persuading their children to go to university. However, old prejudices remain, particularly among a small percentage of higher-earning households which see apprenticeships as good options but not suitable for their children. Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock MP, said: 2These figures are encouraging to see. I want choosing to go to university or beginning an apprenticeship to become the new norm for young people, and I'm pleased to see that attitudes are changing. There is still work to do though and we have recently carried out an extensive review of apprenticeships in the UK. I am looking forward to delivering a reformed system that works even better for employers as well as learners."