Graduate tide keeps turning as apprenticeships ‘become norm’
13 August 2013
Skills minister Matthew Hancock says that apprenticeships are “fast becoming the norm for school leavers”, while two surveys out today suggest the diminished value of a degree for entry-level talent in the jobs market.
Tue, 13 Aug 2013Skills minister Matthew Hancock says that apprenticeships are “fast becoming the norm for school leavers”, while two surveys out today suggest the diminished value of a degree for entry-level talent in the jobs market.
Hancock was commenting after data from research company ICM commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) shows that 54% of young people in England would choose to do an apprenticeship if one were available.
Tellingly, this rises to 56% of those who are already university students and 66% of those who are already employed, but receiving no training.
Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports that a study from insurer Allianz finds most graduates have to wait at least six months before finding a job, suggesting that there is an “overflow” of unemployed people with degrees and very high competition for roles as graduate recruitment has been low in recent years.
The Telegraph also notes a study from the bank HSBC, which suggests ever more students shunning arts and humanities degrees and preferring more practical degrees. This year saw applications to read English at UK universities down 11%, European languages applications down 13% and a 5% drop in would-be philosophers.
Hancock notes that the government is introducing over 40 new higher apprenticeships this year, and with A-Level results due to be released this Thursday (15 August), he adds: “I would urge more young people to consider whether an apprenticeship could be the right option for them.”
Hancock was commenting after data from research company ICM commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) shows that 54% of young people in England would choose to do an apprenticeship if one were available.
Tellingly, this rises to 56% of those who are already university students and 66% of those who are already employed, but receiving no training.
Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports that a study from insurer Allianz finds most graduates have to wait at least six months before finding a job, suggesting that there is an “overflow” of unemployed people with degrees and very high competition for roles as graduate recruitment has been low in recent years.
The Telegraph also notes a study from the bank HSBC, which suggests ever more students shunning arts and humanities degrees and preferring more practical degrees. This year saw applications to read English at UK universities down 11%, European languages applications down 13% and a 5% drop in would-be philosophers.
Hancock notes that the government is introducing over 40 new higher apprenticeships this year, and with A-Level results due to be released this Thursday (15 August), he adds: “I would urge more young people to consider whether an apprenticeship could be the right option for them.”
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