According to the research, over half (56%) of the population has never considered an apprenticeship, with 75 per cent believing the positions are solely aimed at 17 to 21 year olds. 48% also think there is an age limit to applying for roles available.
More understanding needed
The research highlights a high level of misunderstanding when it comes to apprenticeships in the UK. Over half (59%) cite a below average wage as a disadvantage of apprenticeships, yet the National Careers Service places the average apprenticeship wage at £170 per week. Worryingly, 95 per cent of respondents estimated it at significantly below this, with 60 per cent guessing it to be under £100.
Furthermore, a fifth (21%) claim they either don’t know enough about the opportunities available, don’t see apprenticeships offering much by way of career progression, or avoid them because they still carry a negative stereotype.
Age as a barrier
Only one in ten (14%) aged between 40 to 60 would consider an apprenticeship compared to over a third (36%) of those aged between 16 to 24.
This could be due in part to the fact that 89 per cent of 40 to 60 year olds still think the apprenticeships available are aimed at 17 to 21 year olds, rather than their age group.
However, the research suggests that older workers would consider an apprenticeship if they felt the positions were there for them to apply for with nearly (46%) said they would consider an apprenticeship as part of a career change.
Andy Sumner, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Monster.co.uk says:
“More and more companies are recognising the value in making apprenticeships more readily available to prospective employees. However, there are a number of misconceptions which remain and need to be dispelled. People need to understand that apprenticeships are a viable alternative to the more traditional routes to work, particularly with increasing student fees leading to many young people thinking more seriously about different routes into their chosen career.
“Furthermore, apprenticeships can now be found in a variety of different sectors, not just in the traditional trade roles, and are open to people of all ages. They offer a great opportunity to workers in more established careers who want to learn new skills or feel drawn towards a change in direction. They’re definitely no longer only an option for young people.”