SME leaders increasingly back apprenticeships as UCAS deadline nears
As the 30 June UCAS application deadline approaches and students begin making decisions about their next step, research from Employment Hero suggests SME leaders are increasingly backing apprenticeships, offering young people a credible and high-value route into work.
Employment Hero data shows that nearly half of SMEs (46%) now value apprenticeships and degrees equally, while 37% say they place greater value on apprenticeships. Just 11% view them as less valuable. Nearly half (48%) of UK workers deem their university education irrelevant to today’s workforce.
That support seems to be rooted in business impact. More than three quarters of SME leaders (78%) say they hold a positive view of apprenticeships and have seen increased productivity as a result.
The research also points to growing appetite among employers to do more, with 73% of SME leaders saying they are ready to make use of the additional apprenticeship support announced in last year’s Autumn Budget.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “As the UCAS deadline approaches, many students will be weighing up what comes next. University remains the right choice for many, but it should not be seen as the only route to a successful career. Our research shows SME employers increasingly value apprenticeships, not only for the opportunities they create for young people, but for the real business benefits they deliver. The focus now should be on making sure students feel confident considering all their options, while giving employers a system that is simple enough to help them invest in apprentice talent.”