Apprenticeships help to boost career prospects, research shows

Over three quarters of young people believe that apprenticeships help to improve skills and boost their career prospects, according to youth charity YMCA’s Work in Progress report.

The report, which has been released ahead of the Government’s new Apprenticeship Levy, also found that four in five young people would recommend taking an apprenticeship.

Benefits

The research found that 79 per cent of respondents were offered a job role after completing an apprenticeship, whilst 77 per cent said that it helped to improve responsibilities.

Other benefits included improved satisfaction and salary in the workplace, cited by 78 per cent and 81 per cent respectively.

Young people are also calling for more support over apprenticeships, with 34 per cent of respondents feeling that more needs to be done to provide advice to those that are planning to take one.

Over 30 per cent of respondents believe that the salary that they were offered whilst undertaking an apprenticeship enabled them to cover their basic living costs.

Necessary

National Council of YMCAs in England and Wales Chief Executive Denise Hatton said that apprenticeships are a great way for young people to earn while learning the necessary skills that are needed for today’s job market, adding that YMCA’s research is proof that they are a positive experience for the majority.

“Not only do they prepare young people for the workplace but they also provide effective routes into employment with almost 80 per cent of respondents to our research being offered a job at the end of their apprenticeship,” she said.

However, she stated that while the Government’s focus on investing in the value of apprenticeships is welcomed, there is still room for improvement. She added that young people need better careers advice, a more realistic work-study balance and improved support from employers.