Public back apprenticeships as degree alternatives
8 July 2014
More than half of young people would rather do an apprenticeship than go to university, if there was an apprenticeship in a job they wanted to do, according to polling released today.
UCU said the poll highlighted the desire for more high-skilled apprenticeships and the support for higher level apprenticeships as a credible alternative to a degree.
However, it said that apprenticeships must not be seen as cheap labour and the government needed to look at successful apprenticeship schemes in other countries where apprentices are well paid and still receive a broad education.
The Ipsos MORI poll for the Sutton Trust also showed that one third (34%) of people say a degree-level apprenticeship would be better for somebody's future career prospects than a university degree, while two in ten (21%) think a traditional degree would be better.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Higher level apprenticeships are a credible alternative to a degree and it is encouraging that the public are now starting to view them in that way. We need to build on their enhanced reputation and make sure young people given the full range of options available to them through improving careers guidance.
'The government should look to other countries with successful apprenticeship systems. We can learn from them and enhance our own by ensuring students are properly paid and receive a broad curriculum. Apprentices should not be seen as cheap labour and their contribution should be properly recognised by paying them the national minimum wage.'
However, it said that apprenticeships must not be seen as cheap labour and the government needed to look at successful apprenticeship schemes in other countries where apprentices are well paid and still receive a broad education.
The Ipsos MORI poll for the Sutton Trust also showed that one third (34%) of people say a degree-level apprenticeship would be better for somebody's future career prospects than a university degree, while two in ten (21%) think a traditional degree would be better.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Higher level apprenticeships are a credible alternative to a degree and it is encouraging that the public are now starting to view them in that way. We need to build on their enhanced reputation and make sure young people given the full range of options available to them through improving careers guidance.
'The government should look to other countries with successful apprenticeship systems. We can learn from them and enhance our own by ensuring students are properly paid and receive a broad curriculum. Apprentices should not be seen as cheap labour and their contribution should be properly recognised by paying them the national minimum wage.'
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