Former apprentices are outpacing their peers when it comes to workplace fitness, according to a new study published today.
According to the study from ICM Research, which questioned 500 employers with recruitment responsibility across the UK, employers in England rate qualified apprentices as 15 percent more employable than those with other qualifications.
Those who complete Higher Apprenticeships were seen as most desirable, with businesses rating this group 25 percent more employable than those who took an alternative route to work.
The National Apprenticeship Service has just released a guide to Higher Apprenticeships, which will become available to A-Level leavers and existing apprentices/employees from 2013.
Higher Apprenticeships will be available in 41 subjects including Interactive Media, Legal Services, Space Engineering and Engineering Environmental Technologies.
Currently one in six apprentices progress to Higher Education following their Apprenticeship.
Higher Apprentices will enable more young people to develop strong a strong skillset. For employers, this is good news, opening up a wider pool of talent and providing an alternative to university graduates for fast-track programmes. Building a talent pipeline will be important – Higher Apprenticeships are a relatively new initiative, and their expansion will mean employers have to test the water on the best ways to access the emerging talent.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We want Apprenticeships or University to become the new norm for young people leaving school and Higher Apprenticeships are an excellent way to enter high-profile careers while also achieving a degree-level qualification.
“We are releasing the online guide and film today to inspire young people to think about their futures and to help employers see how Higher Apprenticeships could benefit their business.”
To get onto a Higher Apprenticeship, individuals will need to have entry qualifications typically at level 3 – such as A-levels, Advanced level Diploma, NVQ level 3 or an Advanced Apprenticeship.
