Parents keen for children to take apprenticeships over university

Parents are moving away from encouraging their children to go to university in favour of apprenticeships, according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The survey of over 1,000 parents reveals that 57 per cent agree that an apprenticeship provides a better chance of getting a good job than going to university. As a result, 49 per cent of parents would encourage their child to apply for an apprenticeship rather than applying to university for an academic-only course.

Parents are also concerned by the growing cost of university education. 52 per cent are put off recommending university due to the cost, with only 21 percent saying they were not concerned. Thirty-nine per cent of parents’ surveyed believe employers are not providing enough apprenticeships.

Degree apprenticeships however, which combine a university degree with paid on-the-job experience, combat parents’ concerns about their children being equipped for the world of work straight out of university.

CMI’s survey reveals that overall parental awareness of Degree apprenticeships has increased to 32% in 2018, up from 13% in 2016 and 20% in 2017. Over half (54%) state they are the best value for money for young people starting their studies in 2018. 70% of parents believe that to meet the needs of employers, all university students should have the opportunity to develop management, enterprise and leadership skills.

72% say that employers should pay the costs of training apprentices and paying their wages while a smaller sample of 500, showed that parents also believe employers need to do more, with 75% believing that big employers should, by law, have to take on apprentices.

In recent years the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (or TEF) has broadened its focus to take into account graduate employability as well as pure academic grades.

With universities now required to deliver on graduate employment, they are working with organisations like the CMI to incorporate management and leadership skills, as well as work experience, by offering degree apprenticeships or dual-accredited courses. CMI partners with 125 universities in the UK to help meet this requirement and equip students with the skills employers need.