Research reveals growing appeal of apprenticeships among next generation of workers

One of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has shared new research which looks at the attitudes towards career paths among young people, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February). 

The findings form part of a newly launched Apprenticeship Barometer, which surveyed 2,000 young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK to understand their views on education, training, and pathways to career success.

The survey revealed a growing interest in apprenticeships, with more than 70 per cent of respondents willing to relocate within the UK to pursue an apprenticeship opportunity, and six in ten preferring apprenticeships over university.

The findings also highlighted a significant shift toward flexibility and apprenticeships being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure rewarding careers. Respondents cited job security (28 per cent), high starting salaries (28 per cent) and hands-on training (23 per cent) as the most appealing features.

An overwhelming 86 per cent of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offering significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes. 

The research also found that despite their appeal, respondents suggested barriers such as limited opportunities (35 per cent) and lack of information (32 per cent) continue to hinder access to apprenticeships, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more accessible pathways.

Nearly half (44 per cent) of young people surveyed said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest, while almost 9 in 10 (89 per cent) believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet the rising demand.

Industries related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) led the way in apprenticeship preferences, with one in four (26 per cent) respondents expressing interest. STEM careers also ranked among the top three fields associated with the greatest job security.

More than half (54 per cent) of respondents identified earning while learning as the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, while 36 per cent cited avoiding student debt as a key motivator, reflecting a perceived growing financial awareness. 

Richard Hamer, HR director of education and skills at BAE Systems, said: “The apprenticeship barometer gives a real insight into the aspirations and values of the next generation of the UK workforce. It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country.”

BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025, which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15 per cent of its UK workforce.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, minister for skills, Department for Education, said: “Apprenticeships are central to this government’s Plan for Change — they break down barriers to opportunity and equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to go on to rewarding careers. They also drive growth by giving businesses the workforce they need in key sectors of the economy.

“It’s great to see BAE Systems, one of our Top 100 apprentice employers, backing this mission by recruiting more than 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates in 2025. Their commitment demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships can have—helping young people gain hands-on training, access secure and well-paid careers, and power key industries like STEM.”