Almost two-thirds of sixth formers would consider an apprenticeship if a Ucas-style hub was available for opportunities, a new study shows.

A new report, called Not for them: Why aren’t teenagers applying for apprenticeships, also shows that three-quarters of the 1,051 young people surveyed would consider a degree apprenticeships if it was offered for their chosen career path.

Under the current system, potential apprentices must apply to each company for an opportunity as they would with other job vacancies. This compares to a Ucas application for higher education where applicants can send a single application to five institutions in one go.

The Conservatives 2017 general election manifesto promised to introduce an “Ucas-style portal” to apply for apprenticeship opportunities through.

‘Very little exploration of school-leaver attitudes’

The findings - from the first study to look specifically at Year 12 and 13 student views of apprenticeships - show that only 16 per cent of 16- to 18-year-olds are currently thinking of applying for an apprenticeship, compared to 96 per cent considering university. 

Gerard Kelly, whose consultancy GK and Partners commissioned the study, said: “We commissioned the study because while there have been many polls into employer views towards apprentices there has been very little exploration of school-leaver attitudes.”

He added: “More sixth-formers could clearly be persuaded to consider the apprentice opportunity, especially degree-level apprentices if further information was readily available if it was easier to apply and if annual starting salaries were nearer £20,000 than £10,000.”