New Survey Reveals Key Insights into Apprentice Experiences in the UK

The Association of Apprentices (AoA) has released the findings of its inaugural Big Apprentice Survey 2024, providing valuable insights into the experiences of over 2,000 apprentices across the UK. The survey highlights the impact of apprenticeships, the challenges apprentices face, and the improvements needed to enhance their experiences.
Key Findings:
Value of Apprenticeships:
- A large majority of apprentices value the ability to gain work experience alongside a qualification (74%), career progression (51%), and hands-on experience (46%).
- Apprentices also report significant personal growth (78%), additional training opportunities (66%), and increased confidence (62%) as key benefits of their apprenticeships.
- 36% of apprentices believe they would not be working in their current industry without access to an apprenticeship, with this number rising to 40% for those who received free school meals, highlighting the role of apprenticeships in promoting social mobility.
Challenges Faced:
- The most common challenges include managing work/life balance (36%), time management (33%), and completing and recording off-the-job training (32%).
- 62% of apprentices reported feeling stressed or anxious in the last 12 months, with work/life balance (42%) and worries about the end-point assessment (38%) being the main causes.
Improvements Needed:
- Apprentices call for increased financial support, including wages that match the national minimum wage, travel and accommodation subsidies, and access to student discounts.
- Better mentorship programmes, clear career progression paths, flexible working arrangements, and improved communication are also highly desired from employers.
- Enhanced learning support, tailored study options, and reduced administrative burdens were cited as aspects for Training Providers.
- The Government is urged to increase funding for apprenticeships and provide mental health support.
Call to Action
AoA emphasises the need to move beyond simply hiring apprentices and focus on creating a supportive and enriching experience that leads to better outcomes. These survey findings will inform AoA’s work to advocate for apprentices’ needs and drive improvements in the apprenticeship system. AoA also hopes that the survey results will prompt discussions among employers, training providers, and government bodies to work together to enhance the apprentice experience.
Emily Rock, CEO of The Association of Apprentices said: “The Association of Apprentices’ Big Apprentice Survey 2024 provides crucial insights directly from over 2,000 apprentices, highlighting both the immense value of apprenticeships and the challenges that must be addressed. This survey is more than just data; it is the voice of apprentices themselves, who are too often left out of the conversations that impact them the most. At AoA, we believe that no one understands the apprentice experience better than an apprentice, and this survey validates the importance of peer support and community, which are central to our mission.”
To access the full survey, click here: The BIG Apprentice Survey 2024
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