Parents and young people want greater recognition of apprenticeship pathways, according to new research

February 2026

A recent survey has found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents would prefer their child to pursue an apprenticeship after school instead of attending university. Additionally, the same proportion of 16–24 year-olds indicated that they too would consider an apprenticeship as an alternative to university.

The Censuswide survey for the 2026 Apprenticeship Barometer – run by BAE Systems since 2025 – surveyed 1,000 young people aged 16–24 as well as 1000 adults of young people of the same age. One of the key aims was to understand their perceptions regarding apprenticeships and their impact on career paths. The results, published in February 2026, reveal that although there is strong support amongst young people and parents for apprenticeships, both groups believe they are not as well respected or as valued as degrees, with three-quarters (74%) of parents feeling that schools and colleges overemphasise university at the expense of apprenticeships

The findings show that despite only half (55%) of the young people surveyed believing that apprenticeships are as respected as degrees, around eight in ten (79%) report that “earning while learning” is a key driver when choosing a career, which is a twenty-five point increase on the previous year. And a similar number (82%) believe apprenticeships can lead to well-paid careers and help them gain valuable early experience. Similarly, the majority (82%) of parents think apprenticeships can offer the same lasting career progression as degrees, and over four-fifths (85%) think apprenticeships can offer earnings potential comparable to university routes.

When asked about their awareness of apprenticeships, nearly two-thirds (63%) of young people report being aware of apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest, a nineteen-point increase on the year before. However, just four in ten (41%) parents feel there is enough available information for families about how apprenticeships work.

Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills, BAE Systems, said: "It’s clear from this year’s Apprenticeship Barometer that families across the country are thinking very carefully about career pathways and how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in front of them. It’s hugely encouraging to see apprenticeships being increasingly considered, alongside university degrees, as an attractive route into skilled jobs, gaining qualifications and achieving long-term careers."