Apprenticeships 'boost career development'

The vast majority of apprentices feel the vocational training they have received has boosted their employment prospects.

According to a new survey from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, 83 per cent of young people noted the benefits of apprenticeships, while 72 per cent of employers claimed they improve their product or service quality.

Furthermore, 78 per cent of apprentices and 81 per cent of businesses said they would happily recommend the training to friends and other companies.

Business secretary Vince Cable remarked that despite the pressing economic climate, the government has prioritised funding apprenticeships - and the study proves they are advantageous to both the younger generation and the nation's workforce.

He added: "Building a skilled workforce, partly through apprenticeships, will give employers the skills they need to build a stronger economy throughout the UK."

New government data has also revealed that more than half (54 per cent) of young people in England would choose to do an apprenticeship if the option was there.

Meanwhile, skills minister Matthew Hancock stated vocational training options are becoming increasingly attractive to people leaving school who want to earn while they learn.

"Whether they want to be a pilot, an accountant or even a space engineer, I would urge teenagers receiving their exam results to consider how an apprenticeship could help them achieve their career goals," he said.

This comes after the North East Chamber of Commerce recently called for talented school-leavers to view apprenticeships as a valuable and cost-effective alternative to university.

Indeed, a survey conducted by ICM Research in April this year found that businesses in England deem qualified apprentices as 15 per cent more employable than young people with other qualifications.

Among the other reasons for organisations to begin offering apprenticeships is that they help to build a more motivated workforce and introduce new ideas to the company, plus they also contribute an average of £214 towards profits each week.