As one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems has tested the latest attitudes towards career paths among young people to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February). The findings are part of a newly launched Apprenticeship Barometer, which surveyed 2,000 young people (16–24-year-olds) across the country to identify views on education, training, and pathways to career success.
Main attractions
The survey revealed a growing interest in apprenticeships, with more than 70% of respondents willing to relocate to a different part of the UK to seize an apprenticeship opportunity and 6 in 10 preferring it as an alternative to university. The findings highlight a significant shift toward flexibility and apprenticeships being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure and rewarding careers, with respondents citing job security (28%), high starting salaries (28%) and firsthand training (23%) as the most appealing features. An overwhelming 86% of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offering significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes.
Barriers to access
Despite their appeal, responses suggest barriers such as limited opportunities (35%) and lack of information (32%) continue to hinder access to apprenticeships, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more accessible pathways. Half (44%) of the young people surveyed said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest and almost 9 in 10 (89%) believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet rising demand.
STEM leads the way
Industries linked to careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) led the way in apprenticeship preferences, with 1 in 4 (26%) of the young people surveyed expressing interest. They also ranked in the top three careers that respondents associated with the greatest job security.
Money matters
More than half (54%) of respondents identified earning while learning as the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, while 36% cited avoiding student debt as a key motivator, reflecting a perceived growing financial awareness.
The Apprenticeship Barometer gives a real insight into the aspirations and values of the next generation of the UK workforce. It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security. I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country. BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025, which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.
Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills, BAE Systems.
BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025, resulting in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.
Apprenticeships are central to this government’s Plan for Change - they break down barriers to opportunity and equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to go on to rewarding careers. They also drive growth by giving businesses the workforce they need in key sectors of the economy. It’s great to see BAE Systems, one of our Top 100 apprentice employers, backing this mission by recruiting over 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates in 2025. Their commitment demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships can have - helping young people gain firsthand training, access secure and well-paid careers, and power key industries like STEM.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, Department for Education.
The closing date for Apprentice applications is 28 February 2025. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August, and September.
