An apprenticeship will not only cut out tuition fees, but it will also allow a candidate to earn money while they learn on-the-jobIt is not long ago that many parents encouraged their children to go to university, believing that a degree would be an advantage when looking for well-paid work. This expectation has gradually faded; today, more than half think an apprenticeship is a more secure and realistic way to obtain a decent job.
Research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute involving more than 1,000 parents of children aged between 11 and 18 years old reveals a serious about-turn in the post-compulsory education and training options traditionally thought to be of the most value.
Why do more parents favour apprenticeships over university?
Not surprisingly, the rising cost of putting a child through a three- or four-year degree is a major influencer in this debate, with just over half of the parents mentioning it as a deal breaker. The days of maintenance grants and free university courses are long gone, leaving students – and their parents – to find the course fees, to top up barely-adequate student loans, and to cover the costs of accommodation. It is likely that the lack of practical experience many degree courses offer also played a role in the opinions shared.
What a degree apprenticeship offers
In the past, academic students were pushed towards university, while those with more practical skills were encouraged to find work or a training course of some kind; however, in the long term, a degree studied without any hands-on experience leaves graduates at a disadvantage when they start applying for jobs.
Degree apprenticeships, which last an average of three years, combine the best of both worlds, offering industry-rate wages, genuine work experience and a degree. The degree apprentice scheme has been taken up by lots of companies. These include household names such as Tesco and Barclays and smaller employers around the country.
Parent power
Nearly three-quarters of young people rely on their parents for advice on making serious life choices. With so many mothers and fathers expressing their preference for apprenticeship schemes over traditional university courses, it is no wonder that the demand for places is rising rapidly.
Although university is an amazing opportunity to become more independent, meet new people and transition gently into adulthood, many parents are wise enough to recognise the potential for long-term job prospects that the alternative degree apprenticeship offers. No doubt this is boosted by the simple fact that a traditional university education automatically involves incurring a huge debt for most young people.
The combination of a recognised qualification and practical experience is definitely an attractive package for any employer, with many big name companies signing up to the scheme.
The near future
Awareness of the value of apprenticeships is growing; however, there is still some way to go. As the government scrambles to provide three million new apprenticeships by the year 2020, including some at degree level, there is still work to be done on both securing and promoting the stability of the apprenticeship system. In particular, the government is looking for employers to make more solid commitments when it comes to training the future workforce.
As parents across the country learn more about university alternatives, there is little doubt that the degree apprenticeship scheme will grow and thrive.
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