Six in ten jobseekers have considered starting an apprenticeship to upskill or reskill, new research reveals. But respondents say they were dissuaded by the lack of clear career pathways, flexible scheduling, and employer support.
More than half revealed they have considered this as a route into the finance industry, which had almost one million occupations in elevated or critical demand last year. This figure rises to 54 per cent for those aged 16-24.
The research, commissioned by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), surveyed 1,000 people active job-seekers, whether already in work or not. AAT qualifications underpin eight in 10 of all England’s apprenticeships in accounting and finance at intermediate and advanced levels.
“People with an appetite to learn new skills are key to addressing vacancies in the UK’s most in-demand occupations, such as finance as well as addressing the gender imbalance particularly in more senior roles*” says Sarah Beale, CEO of AAT (pictured). “We can see that millions of people are interested in apprenticeships to switch careers, so what’s stopping them?”
Training that fits around people’s busy lives is essential to unlocking their potential
Two in three of all respondents – and half of female respondents – said that they would be more likely to pursue an apprenticeship if “flexible hours or scheduling” was offered, for example when and how exams could be taken.
Other motivating factors included high-quality training, clear career pathways and employer support.
“Training that fits around people’s busy lives is essential to unlocking their potential,” Beale says, “whether that’s the ability to fit learning around existing work or caring responsibilities, or having flexibility from an employer during peak study times.”
“The problem is that many people don’t realise how many opportunities are already available. “You don’t need to go to university for three years or stop earning to start an exciting career in finance”.
To make opportunities and finance career information more accessible, the charity has launched AAT Careers Hub the UK’s first dedicated finance apprenticeship and jobs board, connecting would-be apprentices with hundreds of employers who have apprenticeship schemes.