UCAS on apprenticeships and how to find the RIGHT apprentices

As a gateway to higher education in the UK, UCAS is the first place students go for their next steps.

UCAS speak to students, employers and advisers to gain insights into all sorts of education trends and challenges. In their Apprenticeship Journey research (August 2021), they’ve looked into apprentice recruitment – here are some of their findings, plus how they can help employers to reach the right candidates.

Interest in apprenticeships has never been higher

But they’re still seen as less academic than university degrees. Parents, teachers and advisers are much more clued up on university degrees than apprenticeships.

Only 28% of students said careers advisers were the most useful resource in helping them to understand apprenticeships. Only 17% said their parents.

To help to raise awareness earlier, 40% of apprentice employers suggest Year 9 is the right time to start talking to students about higher level apprenticeships. 50% say Year 10 or 11 is the right time to share your apprenticeship opportunities, so they have plenty of time to consider their options.

“I would start it in year 10 or year 9 – have a parents evening so that they know what apprenticeships are. Then for the year 10 work experience, team up with the apprenticeship providers to offer a taster.” -Employer, Top 100 FTSE company

Finding the right apprentices

Potential apprentices aren't always easy to find or retain. Employers struggle to filter the volume of applicants – as well as to recruit from underrepresented backgrounds.

UCAS’ research shows some of the biggest challenges involve making sure apprentice candidates are interested, serious, and that it’s the right industry for them.

57% of employers surveyed said that work experience at their organisation would prepare candidates for an apprenticeship. This would also make it easier for students to compare the different options they can choose from.

Recruiting apprentices through UCAS

Around 700,000 UK students look to UCAS each year to find the right next step for them.

UCAS is dedicated to showing them they have options, listening to what they have to say, and offering insights on the most suitable ways to connect with them. As part of this, they’re helping students to find out more about apprenticeships – and to help employers connect with them.

Here’s how you can get your apprenticeships seen and recognised with UCAS:

1.    Showcase your apprenticeships on UCAS’ Career Finder tool – communicate with thousands of skilled young people searching for their opportunity to make a difference.

2.    Get your values out there in an employer profile on ucas.com – placing your business first and foremost in the minds of students and graduates.

3.    Run UCAS marketing campaigns – via social media and news channels targeted at parents, teachers and students to promote alternative education choices.

UCAS is always looking at how they can work smarter to connect employers and students. With over 200 audience profile filters, they can make sure you’re showing your brand to the candidates you want to reach.

Find out more about how UCAS can help you recruit apprentices by visiting the link below:

https://www.ucas.com/withucasyoucan

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