New research released by BAE Systems to mark National Apprenticeship Week has revealed a decisive shift in attitudes towards vocational routes, with both young people and parents increasingly viewing apprenticeships as a preferred alternative to university.
The findings come from the aerospace company’s annual Apprenticeship Barometer, carried out by Censuswide, which surveyed 1,000 people aged 16–24 and, for the first time, 1,000 parents of young people in the same age group. The study explores how families are weighing up education choices amid concerns over living costs, student debt and long-term job security.
Parents favour work-based routes
Almost two-thirds of parents (63%) said they would rather their child pursued an apprenticeship than a university degree. That sentiment is closely matched by young people themselves, with 62% saying they would be likely to consider an apprenticeship as an alternative to higher education – an increase on last year’s results.
Financial considerations appear to be a major driver. The concept of “earning while learning” was ranked as important by 79% of young respondents, up sharply from 54% in 2025, underlining how the ability to draw a salary while gaining qualifications has become a powerful attraction.
Respect and perception gap
While enthusiasm is growing, the survey suggests perceptions have not fully caught up. Four in five parents believe apprenticeships should carry the same respect as degrees, yet only 55% of young people feel that parity currently exists.
Despite this, both groups are confident about outcomes. More than 80% of parents agreed that apprenticeships should deliver the same career progression and earning potential as university, and 83% said employers should value both routes equally. Among young people, 82% believed apprenticeships can lead to well-paid careers and provide valuable early experience.
Security and awareness rising
Job security has surged up the list of priorities, cited by 80% of young people compared with just 28% a year earlier. Two-thirds said avoiding student debt was a key factor, while 82% wanted work that felt meaningful.
Awareness is also improving: 63% of young respondents said they felt well informed about apprenticeship opportunities in their chosen field, up from 44% last year. Parents were less confident, however. Nearly three-quarters felt schools and colleges still emphasise university over vocational routes, and only 41% believed there was enough clear information available for families.
Industry response
Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills at BAE Systems, said the results showed families were carefully reassessing traditional pathways. He described it as “hugely encouraging” that apprenticeships were now being considered alongside degrees as a credible route into skilled employment and long-term careers. The company, he added, was keen for prospective applicants to explore the “thousands of options currently on offer across the UK”.
BAE Systems plans to recruit more than 1,100 apprentices in 2026, primarily in the North of England but with opportunities also available in the South, Scotland and Wales. Recruits will work on programmes including next-generation combat aircraft, submarines and warships, as well as expanding cyber and space capabilities.
The defence firm currently trains more than 6,800 young people across its UK operations, including around 5,100 apprentices. Since 2020 it has taken on over 10,000 apprentices, graduates and undergraduates and invested more than £1bn in education and skills.
Applications for BAE Systems’ 2026 apprenticeship intake are now open and will close once sufficient numbers are reached, no later than the end of February.
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