Some eight in 10 young people in the UK want to study for a degree apprenticeship after leaving school, according to new research from ACCA, through Unifrog.
The idea of ‘earning and learning’ has taken root in 14-18 year-olds.
The research shows striking demand for what is known as the ‘triple pathway’, roles that simultaneously offer a salary, a professional qualification and a degree. Almost all respondents (94%) said such a pathway was very or quite appealing, while nearly half (44%) said they were very likely to pursue it.
That appetite is influencing employer choices too. Two thirds (67%) said they would choose a lesser-known company offering a job with a qualification and degree over a well-known employer that did not.
George Tsounias, Early Careers Manager at ACCA, said: “It is very encouraging to see that the young people we spoke to for this research have a real desire for genuine, hands-on experience.
“Among those drawn to combined pathways, earning money while studying was cited by a quarter (24%) as their primary motivation – that’s equal to the proportion (24%) who said gaining real-world work experience was the deciding factor.
“And only 16% said avoiding student debt was their main driver, suggesting financial pragmatism is only part of the picture.”
