Apprenticeships vs University: Research reveals a North West generational split as students disagree with their parents ahead of the release of A-Level and GCSE Results

Parents and their children in the North West are divided over whether university or an apprenticeship is the best next step towards a successful career ahead of the release of A-Level and GCSE results, research commissioned by Amazon has revealed.

The study found 93% of parents in the North West believe an apprenticeship would provide their child with a good chance of getting a permanent job, compared with 66% for university. The YouGov survey also revealed 74% of parents in the North West thought an apprenticeship provided good earnings potential, along with 74% for university education.

However, students from the North West disagree with parents, with 84% believing university provides good earning potential compared with 76% for apprenticeships. However, apprenticeships came out on top for providing a good opportunity to get a permanent job (84%), compared with a degree (80%).

For those who do choose an apprenticeship as their next career step, Amazon provides opportunities for upskilling and retraining for people of all ages, at all stages of their careers, offering schemes in a wide variety of areas including engineering, cyber security, broadcast production, and operations management.

One person who has taken the next step in her career with an apprenticeship is Sophie Newbery, an apprentice from the Amazon corporate office in Manchester.
Sophie Newbery from Bury works at the Amazon corporate office in Manchester as a UK and EU Project Management Apprentice and is studying a Project Management Apprentice Degree through the Amazon Apprenticeship programme. Sophie is in the first year of her three-year apprenticeship degree at Amazon.

Sophie left school uncertain of whether to go into higher education or get a full-time job. After coaching at her local gymnastics club for several months, the idea of project management sparked an interest in her as she discovered a love for creating and managing projects.

She was introduced to the Amazon Apprenticeship programme by friends, and after discovering that the programme offered on-the-job training alongside classroom-based learning, Sophie was immediately drawn to the idea.

Sophie has really enjoyed the first part of her apprenticeship and when asked to name the favourite thing she’s experienced so far, she said: “The travelling. I have a desire to experience new places and meet new people and this programme has opened so many doors for me in such a short space of time. I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside the UK and EU team during work trips to Poland, Barcelona, Edinburgh, London, and Bristol.”

To anyone considering joining the Amazon Apprenticeship programme, Sophie added: “Go for it – you have nothing to lose. From my seven months in the company, I can see how well-thought out and beneficial the programme is. The team are so helpful and consider what you want to get out of your degree. Stay motivated, put the work in and it will all go in your favour.”

The Amazon apprenticeship scheme launched in 2013 and, to celebrate the 10th anniversary, Amazon is partnering with Apprentice Nation, a career development and entertainment platform, to produce an event featuring Cat Burns, the BRIT-nominated, double-platinum-selling South London artist. The mentoring event will support students as they decide the next step on their career path. More than 200 people will be invited to the event in September where Cat will play an exclusive, one-off gig.

Cat Burns is a BRIT-nominated, double-platinum-selling South London artist, Cat said: “I think it’s really important for people to be proud of themselves, whatever their situation or background. There’s a space for everyone in this life – you just need to be able to carve out your own path. Through my music, I want to keep on inspiring others to create their own journey in life and to shape their future. Everyone has gifts.”

She added: “Apprentice Nation offers youth the opportunity to do this and I’m excited to be performing with them and also to celebrate ten years of Amazon Apprenticeships.”

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “It is brilliant to see that apprenticeships are now widely recognised as offering great career prospects, particularly amongst parents. Amazon’s decade-long commitment to apprenticeships has been instrumental in this progress, putting apprenticeships at the heart of the business and giving over 5,500 people the opportunity to earn while they learn the skills they need to succeed.

“Demand for apprenticeships is rising, but these findings show that we must continue our work to ensure that apprenticeships and traditional degrees are on an equal footing. To help more young people make informed decisions about their future, we are working with UCAS to expand their service so students can search and apply for apprenticeships alongside degrees and continuing to promote them through our Get the Jump campaign.”

Amazon’s UK Country Manager, John Boumphrey, said: “Young people and their families are having to navigate really complex decisions at this time of year. That’s why we’re providing information, guidance, and support throughout the year, as well as our special career mentoring event with Cat Burns. It’s all designed to help them decide on the best path for them and their future.

“I am excited that we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of apprenticeships at Amazon, and also offer many opportunities for people to join us in their first job outside of university. We offer all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people reflecting the range of skills and abilities in communities across the UK and look forward to supporting young people to build successful careers.”

Explore more about Amazon apprenticeships