More youngsters are taking up apprenticeships, it has been claimed” align=”right”>A growing number of British teenagers are opting to enter into apprenticeship schemes rather than heading straight to university after taking A-levels, it has been suggested.
According to LV= spokesperson Emma Banks, apprenticeships are closing the gap on universities and the prospect of leaving higher education with thousands of pounds' worth of debt is also deterring some people from further study.
"It's very costly to go to university, so people are thinking that perhaps they will stay in school then go to work in a more vocational environment and earn some money," she said.
Ms Banks added that her own company has recently boosted the number of apprenticeships it offers and claimed the after-effects of the recent recession have convinced more young people to consider alternatives to university.
Bosses wondering how to get the best out of newcomers to the workforce should consider attending the Talent Management and Leadership Development Forum 2010 in London next month.
Posted by Ross George
It’s good that teenagers are now thinking more widely about their options; however, apprenticeships are also in very short supply.
It is a “buyers’ market” at present so employers can set the academic bar for apprentice applicants far higher than is necessary. I hope they won’t do so.