New research reveals growing appeal of apprenticeships

As one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems has tested the latest attitudes towards career paths among young people to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February). The findings are part of a newly launched Apprenticeship Barometer, which surveyed 2,000 young people (aged 16-24) across the country to identify views on education, training and pathways to career success.

The report reveals that there is a growing interest in apprenticeships, with more than 70% of respondents willing to relocate to a different part of the UK if required to seize an apprenticeship opportunity and 6 in 10 seeing them as a good alternative to the university route. The findings highlight a significant shift toward flexibility and apprenticeships being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure and rewarding careers, with respondents citing job security (28%), high starting salaries (28%) and hands-on training (23%) as the most appealing features.

An overwhelming 86% of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offering significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes. Despite their appeal, responses suggest barriers such as limited opportunities (35%) and lack of information (32%) continue to hinder access to apprenticeships, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more accessible pathways.

Nearly half (44%) of the young people surveyed said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest and almost nine in 10 (89%) believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet rising demand. Industries linked to careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) led the way in apprenticeship preferences, with one in four (26%) of the young people surveyed expressing interest. They also ranked in the top three careers that respondents associated with the greatest job security.

Earning while learning
More than half (54%) of respondents identified earning while learning as the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, while 36% cited avoiding student debt as a key motivator.

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 is clear there is a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, while offering financial security. I would encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at 1,000s of highly valuable opportunities available around the country.”

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

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State (Education and Skills), 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 is 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.”

The closing date for apprenticeship applications is 28 February, however there are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August and September. To find out more and apply, visit the website here.