Apprenticeships lead to high flying careers, according to new research

People who complete an apprenticeship earn more money, stay longer with their employer and are more likely to rise to a management job than people who donít do an apprenticeship reveals new research.

The study ëCareer paths of former apprenticesí is published by the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) and funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). It is based on an analysis of labour market data that includes 30.5 million British people and interviews with both employers and employees.

The research shows that those who complete an apprenticeship earn an average 23,400 a year. This is nearly 4,000 a year more than the average earned by people who donít do an apprenticeship.

The largest earnings difference is among people aged 36 to 41. Former apprentices in this age group earn an average of just under 26,000 a year, compared to just under 22,000 a year for people who didnít do an apprenticeship.

People who complete apprenticeships are also more likely to progress in the workplace. Twenty-eight percent of people who have completed apprentices now hold a management position and a further 15% are in a supervisory role. By comparison, only 25% of people who didnít do an apprenticeship are managers and 11% are supervisors. This, according to the report, is because organisations tend to want to keep and promote their former apprentices, once theyíve invested in their training.

Apprenticeships also make economic sense for employers. The research reveals that employees who complete an apprenticeship are more likely to stay with their employer for longer. Sixty-one percent of people who completed an apprenticeship stay with their employers for 5 years or more. In stark contrast, only 46% of people who donítí do an apprenticeship stay with their employer for that length of time.

Jill Lanning, Director, Research at LSN said:
ìApprentices make loyal employees who understand the standards of work that their organisation expects. Employers value their apprentices and give them plenty of opportunities to develop their skills. People who complete an apprenticeship can look forward to a lucrative career, good prospects of promotion and an ongoing commitment from their employer.î

Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships at the LSC welcomes the research:

ìThis research strongly supports what the LSC has been saying for the past five years about the benefits of Apprenticeships to both young people and their employers. Apprentices who complete their Apprenticeship can go on to senior positions, whilst earning a good wage. Employers who offer apprenticeships can create a highly skilled and loyal workforce, maximising productivity and saving on expensive recruitment.î