Apprenticeship Central has reported a surge in high quality candidates enquiring about apprenticeships following this year’s A-Level Results Day, reflecting a wider national trend.
New research highlighted by FE News shows that:
- 25% of A-Level students are planning to take an apprenticeship this year, up from just 15% in 2022.
- 51% of students say they want to start earning money straight away, up from 40% last year.
- 39% believe they can gain better training through a job or apprenticeship, up from 28% in 2024.
Eleanor Baker Barnes, Commercial Director at Apprenticeship Central, said:
“This year we’ve seen a noticeable rise in enquiries from motivated, high-achieving students who are actively exploring apprenticeship routes. These are candidates who could easily choose university, but are recognising that apprenticeships offer them the chance to earn while they learn and progress faster. For employers, this is an unmissable opportunity to access the best young talent at a time when skills are in short supply.”
The trend is mirrored in Apprenticeship Central’s own experience, with strong post-results engagement particularly from students with excellent academic results who are eager to apply their skills directly in the workplace.
