Watford apprentice backs calls for greater awareness of alternatives to university

New research commissioned by Barratt Redrow has revealed that nearly seven in ten parents (68%) believe schools give more prominence to university than apprenticeships when advising young people about their future.
As Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently pledged to “value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap”, the research carried out by Censuswide among 1,000 UK parents of school-age children found that 70% say the cost of university has made them more likely to recommend an apprenticeship.
Some 78% note that they would encourage their child to consider an apprenticeship as seriously as a university degree, and more than six in ten (64%) are also worried that their child would not get a job after graduating.
The findings come as families across the UK consider their children’s next steps following GCSE Results Day and suggest that attitudes towards apprenticeships may have moved faster than careers advice in schools.
Just 39% of parents say they have received enough information from their child’s school about apprenticeships to help them make informed career decisions.
The appetite for apprenticeships is also being driven by the cost of student loans, with 71% of those surveyed believing that apprenticeships offer better value for money than university.
Perceptions appear to be changing rapidly, with almost three quarters (73%) of parents saying they have a more positive view of apprenticeships than they did five years ago.
The findings are particularly relevant for Barratt Redrow and come at a time when the construction industry is facing a well-documented shortage of skilled workers, creating significant opportunities for young people entering the sector.
A report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) found that an additional 206,000 workers are needed by 2030 to meet demand1.
As the industry looks to recruit and train the next generation, apprenticeships can provide a direct route into areas where skills are in high demand, while giving young people the chance to earn, gain recognised qualifications and build practical experience from the outset of their careers.
Barratt Redrow currently offers a range of apprenticeships, from construction, quantity surveying, technical and real estate.
Its apprenticeship and degree programmes currently have 465 participants – around 5.8% of the company’s workforce – with apprentices working within divisional teams and alongside subcontractors to learn from experienced professionals and develop the skills needed for a career in housebuilding.
Bill Beyzade, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “Getting your GCSE results is an exciting time for young people and their families, as they think about the next steps they’ll take towards building their futures. Increasingly, parents are recognising the value of apprenticeships as a career path that offers the opportunity to learn while you earn and gain real work experience. However, with two-thirds of parents believing schools prioritise university over apprenticeships, there is clearly still a gap in how the different routes are perceived.
“University remains a fantastic choice for thousands of young people, but apprenticeships in skilled trades should be given the same prominence. They offer a direct route into rewarding careers, particularly in sectors like construction, which is experiencing a skills shortage.
“It’s important to ensure that young people understand all the options available when making decisions about their future, while creating inclusive, welcoming environments that offer equal opportunities for all.”
Lewis Barnes, Technical Apprentice at Barratt David Wilson North Thames said: “While at sixth form, it was quite difficult to find any information about apprenticeships. The emphasis was very much on higher education, and while some apprentices came in to talk to us, the most obvious and well-informed path was to apply to university.
“I knew this wasn’t right for me, so I applied for the five-year Apprenticeship programme with Barratt David Wilson North Thames. A year later, I’m well on the way to achieving my Level 4 qualification, and from there, I’ll progress to a full degree. This means I can earn a wage and learn at the same time, while gaining valuable industry experience towards my ultimate goal of becoming a project director.”
“I’m lucky that my parents were really supportive in me taking this leap of faith. Other young people should feel more informed about what an apprenticeship actually looks like day to day, and that’s why I want to share what it’s been like for me so far.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “For too long, the traditional academic route has been seen as the only route to successful, highly-paid careers. This government is determined to end that mindset.
“This research shows parents are already ahead of the curve, and it’s exactly why we’re creating an education system that champions technical learning as much as academic.  
“We’re introducing new technical education pathways from 14 combining core academic subjects with real-world experience and the technical knowledge they need to thrive in well-paid local jobs. Increased T Level options and new qualifications like V Levels from 2027 will give 16-year-olds a clear route into the careers of the future and the opportunity to build the lives they want.
“Combined with our £2.5 billion youth employment package, which will support almost one million young people into work and unlock up to 500,000 jobs and training opportunities, we’re making sure every young person, parent and school knows apprenticeships can be a first choice, not just a fallback.”
Andy George, Director of Industry Attraction and Skills at the Home Builders Federation, said: “As these findings reinforce, too many young people remain unclear about the range of career opportunities available to them and, importantly, the pathways into those careers. Home builders support around 9,000 apprentices, trainees and graduates every year and, as the industry scales up to meet the country’s housing ambitions, those opportunities will only increase. We must ensure a lack of information is not a barrier to talented young people accessing them. 
“We are working with employers, schools and colleges to provide teachers, careers advisers and families with clear information on different routes into the industry, empowering more young people to make informed decisions about their future.”