10 Mar 2025
One in three school leavers struggle to find apprenticeships
One in three school leavers struggle to find apprenticeships
The future of the accident repair industry depends on a strong pipeline of new talent and apprenticeships are a crucial way to bring young people into the sector, offering hands on experience and a direct path into skilled employment. However, similarly to employers, school leavers are also struggling to navigate the apprenticeship landscape. Research from The Co-Op identifies that more than a third (38%) of school leavers struggle to find apprenticeship opportunities in their local area.
Ironically, the value of apprenticeships has never been clearer and two in three (68%) school leavers agree that apprenticeships are more important now than ever before. Nearly half (48%) see them as the best way to enter the workforce yet for many young people, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, barriers to access remain significant.
The barriers
Despite being more likely to apply for apprenticeships (73% vs 66%), young people from disadvantaged backgrounds often face obstacles such as:
Financial constraints. 33% cannot afford to relocate or travel to apprenticeship opportunities.
Limited local opportunities. 33% report a lack of apprenticeship programmes in their area.
Lack of school support. 20% say their school does not offer apprenticeship pathways.
Application process confusion. 26% don’t know where to look or how to apply.
Confidence gaps. 25% lack the confidence to apply.
Lack of application guidance. 14% report they do not have support through the process.
With 68% of school leavers from lower-income backgrounds struggling to gain the experience required for jobs and 44% feeling unprepared for apprenticeships due to gaps in their education, it's clear that more needs to be done to support young people.
Meeting young people where they are
Often, discussions around apprenticeships focus on the difficulties employers face in recruiting young talent. While these challenges are real, it is just as important to recognise the hurdles young people must overcome to enter the workforce. This is where Apprenticeship Central come in.
Apprenticeship Central facilitates the journey between employers and apprentices, ensuring businesses can find the right talent while helping young people access the opportunities they deserve. By meeting young people where they are, Apprenticeship Central:
Connect employers with young people who need opportunities
Provide guidance and application support to those who lack confidence or knowledge about apprenticeships
Work with businesses to create accessible apprenticeships in areas where opportunities are scarce
Encourage small businesses to develop apprenticeship programmes, even with limited resources
It's time for action
The research from Co-op highlights the urgent need for action. Businesses, government and training providers must come together to break down the barriers preventing young people from accessing apprenticeships. The establishment of Skills England offers a promising step forward, but more must be done to ensure fair access to apprenticeships and unlock the potential of the next generation.
At Apprenticeship Central we are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to build a successful career in accident repair and beyond. By actively supporting both apprentices and employers, we can help close the skills gap and build a more sustainable future for the industry.
If you’re an employer looking to take on an apprentice or a young person seeking guidance on apprenticeship opportunities, reach out to the team today.
Email: enquire@apprenticeship-central.co.uk
Tel: 07496 571590
www.apprenticeship-central.co.uk
Source: Co-op Apprenticeship Research 2024