Almost half of all students think apprenticeships are aimed solely at men, new survey says

Only 11% of students feel 'fully informed' about apprenticeships

Only 1% of students think apprenticeships are designed for women

Close to half of all students think apprenticeships are aimed at men, according to a new survey, a perception which differs from official government figures which indicate apprenticeships are equally popular among both gender groups.

Forty per cent of respondents told The Student Room apprenticeships are taken up mostly by men. In contrast, only one per cent of students think the training is designed for women.

The UK-wide research asked 10,000 students about their options following A-levels, looking at pathways including apprenticeships, employment, gap years, and going to university. Findings also showed students could benefit from more access to information; only 11 per cent feel “fully informed” about this training and career option, while a further 40 per cent say they have received “very little” or “no information” about taking on an apprenticeship.

When asked who influenced them in taking an apprenticeship, one in five respondents said their parent. The opinion of someone the same age was the next in line of importance, followed by school career advisors, who were deemed the biggest influence by only 13 per cent of students.

Zoe McMillan, community manager at The Student Room, described how the findings show a “worrying perception” of a “non-existent gender imbalance within apprenticeships” among students. She added: “Apprenticeships are a highly credible pathway for both male and female students seeking knowledge, training, and on-the-job experience in their chosen career.

“It would be a huge shame if today’s students were missing out on potential career opportunities because of outdated misconceptions. I’d encourage everyone to fully investigate every option before committing to their chosen pathway after school.”

Daisy Coombes, 19, who is currently on a higher apprenticeship in design engineering at construction giant JCB, said: “There is more than one way of starting a career, and knowing the options that are available to young people is important to help make the final decision.”

Students seeking more information on apprenticeships should visit Get In, Go Far. Alternatively, go to the new Apprenticeship Hub on The Student Room