More parents in the UK want to see their child undertake an apprenticeship than a university degree, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week in England and Wales, which runs from 4th to 8th March 2019, the FMB undertook a survey of 2,000 adults and the findings were as follows:
25% would rather their children undertook an apprenticeship;
24% would rather their children studied for a university degree
50% have no preference
When the same people were asked how they felt about building firms that trained apprentices, it was found that 60% would have a more positive image of a construction firm knowing that it trains apprentices. 41% would be more likely to hire a building firm that trains apprentices as opposed to one that does not.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “We’re finally seeing the shift in attitudes with more people understanding the value of undertaking a vocational apprenticeship rather than a university degree. For too long, apprenticeships were looked down on and seen as the alternative route if children weren’t bright enough to follow the more academic route. With university fees in England going through the roof, and with apprenticeships offering an earn-while-you-learn route to a meaningful job, it’s no wonder that the penny has finally dropped. This research signals that the majority of children won’t be suffering undue pressure from their parents or teachers to attend university unless it really is right for them. Not everyone is academic and even for our very brightest students, on-the-job-learning can be an appealing way to prepare for the world of work. Apprenticeships are a brilliant career path and there are plenty of exciting opportunities in sectors like construction – we’re crying out for more young people to join our ranks.”
Berry concluded: “Now that we know that the general public is changing its attitude towards apprenticeships, the construction industry must step up and make more apprenticeship places available to young people. Not only will firms be helping train the next generation, apprenticeships are also good for the bottom line.”
