37% of businesses say apprentices will be top source of talent in 2018

A third of businesses view apprentices as the most valuable source of emerging talent in 2018. That is according to a poll of over 2,000 senior HR professionals carried out by Alexander Mann Solutions.

The data comes following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April last year – an initiative which is designed to boost the number of young people entering vocational training – and despite the fact new apprenticeship starts reportedly dropped 59% immediately after its launch.

Previous research from Alexander Mann Solutions found that over two thirds (71%) of senior HR leaders believe the Apprenticeship Levy will ultimately create a new route into the workplace to supplement or rival graduate intake.

In its latest survey, Alexander Mann Solutions, the global talent acquisition and management specialist found that graduates remain the favoured talent pool for entry-level recruits, with just under half (47%) of respondents naming university leavers as the most valuable source of emerging talent this year.

However, 28% of respondents admitted that they were finding it more difficult to fill graduate roles this season, with just 12% reporting that sourcing and securing the relevant skills is currently easier than it has been in other cycles.