1 in 5 graduates prefer apprenticeships

19-Aug-2022 - Last updated on 19-Aug-2022 at 09:12 GMT

Alternative career path: Greene King survey reveals one in five A-level graduate would opt for apprenticeship instead

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Operator and brewer Greene King has announced its plans to take on 5,000 new apprentices by 2025 as one in five Brits (20%) stated they would consider an apprenticeship over A-levels given the chance again, according to research conducted by the pub company.

According to the operator’s survey, conducted in August 2022, 65% of graduates said if they were to choose again they would stick with A-levels, while 20% would opt for apprenticeships, 6% and 5.6% respectively would choose BTEC or NVQ qualifications and 3.4% having said they would not have continued educations after GCSEs.

Furthermore, the data from Greene King, which has supported 15,000 apprentices since 2011, revealed 45% of the 1,500 UK A-level graduate students surveyed admitted their qualifications were not essential to their chosen career.

Long-lasting career

This comes as yesterday (Thursday 18 August) marked annual A-level day with GCSE results day to follow next week.

Greene King chief people and transformation officer Andrew Bush said: “We want to wish everyone the best of luck ahead of A-Level results day.

“Whatever happens on A-Level and GCSE results days, it’s worth remembering there are alternative career paths available.

“Our apprenticeship programme allows young people to immersive themselves in the hospitality industry and forge a long-lasting and exciting career.”

Greene King’s scheme aims to give young people hands on experience and the opportunity to earn as they learn about different facets of the hospitality industry, with both entry level and management roles on offer for a variety of front and back of house positions.

True potential

This comes as figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) earlier this week revealed vacancies in the hospitality sector had risen by 34% since the previous year while wages for hospitality workers had increased by 6.4% since the beginning of 2022.

Bush added: “The programme is designed to fit around your chosen role and provide the support you need to reach your true potential.

“Not only can you earn from the get-go (meaning no restrictive student debt), but every day is also different in this fast-paced industry.”