Parents Unaware of Apprenticeship Opportunities for Children, Survey Finds

Parents have confessed to being unaware that careers such as veterinary nursing and aerospace engineering can be accessed through apprenticeships.

Many parents are unaware of the diverse range of careers and qualifications accessible to their children today, according to a recent survey.

The study, which polled 2,000 parents of state and non-fee paying school children aged 11-18 in England, found that 58 per cent did not fully understand the variety of qualifications available.

Despite being familiar with the concept of apprenticeships, many parents had misconceptions about the opportunities they offered.

Over a quarter believed apprenticeships were generally low-paid, while 9 per cent feared they could restrict future career flexibility. As a result, 61 per cent of parents felt ill-equipped to advise their children on educational options.

The research was commissioned by Talking Futures, which has produced an online video featuring actress Denise Van Outen to highlight how parents' preconceived ideas and past experiences of the education landscape could limit their child's future options.

Denise Van Outen shared: "I've been having lots of conversations recently with my daughter, who is 14, about what she might like to do in the future and the best routes to getting there. And I have to admit, it can feel really overwhelming knowing how to guide her.

"From my experience when I was at school, it didn't seem like there were as many pathways - it was quite linear and you just sort of 'fell into' a career, without taking the time to think about the full range of options available.

"There are great quality options available to kids today; it's just a case of knowing how best to help your kids to navigate what's right for them."

The study also found less than a third of parents now believe having a university degree is the only way to be successful in a future career. With 40 per cent seeing apprenticeships as a great alternative, believing they are a good way to get practical experience of work while still getting an education.

Over three quarters would feel more confident in supporting their children's decisions if they had a better understanding of the options available.

Michelle Rea, spokesperson for Talking Futures, which is run by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, said: "Denise does a brilliant job in this short film of demonstrating the importance of parents not letting their own experiences of school have a negative impact on how they support their child's education decisions.

"Today's new research shines a light on that feeling of overwhelm some parents can have as they get to grips with the education options open to their teens.

"Yes, some things are different from when we were at school, but there is information out there to help - parents just need to know where to look.

"We have lots of resources and support that we hope will build parents' confidence in having education and career conversations with their kids by getting them up to speed on what options are available today."