Apprentices better than graduates, claims research

Employers would rather hire apprentices than graduates according to research by a vocational education organisation. City & Guilds found 89 percent of more than 500 employers viewed apprentices as key to the future success of their business over the next two years, and 52 percent of those companies already recruiting apprentices claimed they offer greater value than hiring university graduates.

However, 80 percent of businesses admitted there barriers to hiring apprentices with almost a quarter fearing their apprentices will leave as soon as they are qualified while one in five feel the current economic climate makes it too risky to commit to an apprenticeship programme.

A quarter of all employers argue the process is too bureaucratic.

In spite of the barriers, 71 percent of employers without apprentices say they could be encouraged to hire an apprentice, while 94 percent of all employers with apprentices agree.

Milkround
Feb 11