Recent research reveals that just one in 10 apprentices were signposted to their course by a careers adviser or teacher. Since apprenticeships are a major talent pipeline for vital sectors suffering from severe skills gaps as older workers retire – and in the face of ever-faster technological advances and relentless competition from overseas economic powerhouses – this is disappointing news.

Time for an education revolution?

For rising numbers of school leavers, the university route is not an attractive or attainable one. Many intelligent, talented students are not academically minded, while others are increasingly daunted by the massive debts they will rack up in just a few years, but which could cast a lifelong shadow. However, many find that, without training, skills assessment and accreditation, they cannot simply step out of formal education into gateway roles.

This is why vocational development is so important. The learn as you earn apprenticeship model sees students acquire relevant, industry-recognised abilities while being paid – with employers boosting their knowledge bases.

The economic case

Social mobility, diversity and equality are all key agendas when it comes to opening up vocational education to those that don’t want to or can’t go down the university route. But there is a strong economic case for improving careers advice for school-leavers too.

With UK productivity levels way below that of competing nations and ever-growing skills shortages, careers advice needs to be much more geared around and directed towards where skills are needed and jobs are available. Apprenticeships may be entry level qualifications but they can and should be the first step in a long-term career, not the end of the journey.

NOCN has been creating opportunities through vocational learning for 30 years, and there has never been a more important time to ensure that these opportunities are not missed.