More than 90% of young people would consider an apprenticeship over a university degree, a new survey from the skills charity Enginuity has revealed, and 71% of parents would encourage them to do so – up from 67% in 2025.

One thousand parents and their children (aged 11-18) were interviewed about their current attitudes towards vocational pathways to work.

With the cost-of-living crisis, many people are querying the viability and sense in taking on massive amounts of debt without a guarantee of a job in the process.

30% of young people and 33% of parents had never heard of T Levels, while 42% of young people and 45% of parents said that they had heard of them but needed further information.

In 2026, 95% of parents said they were interested in knowing more about apprenticeships that allow young people to “earn while they learn”, and 91% of young people said the same.

There is a growing appreciation of apprenticeships as a credible choice that combines affordability, practical experience and progression into skilled careers. The challenge of apprenticeship legitimacy is diminishing, with both young people and parents increasingly open to and interested in these pathways.

The focus must now shift to strengthening high-quality careers guidance and ensuring routes into apprenticeships are clear, accessible and easy to navigate.