One in four UK businesses are overlooking the potential benefits of school leaver apprenticeship programmes, according to a recent study by Grant Thornton UK.  

The research, which surveyed senior decision-makers from 605 medium-sized companies, highlights that 25% of these businesses do not offer apprenticeships to individuals directly entering the workforce after school. 

The primary concerns deterring these employers include the perceived complexity of the apprenticeship system, the amount of work and resources required, and insufficient incentives.  

Additionally, there is a lack of clarity regarding the advantages that apprentices could bring to their organisations.  

A quarter of the respondents also prefer to concentrate on graduate recruitment over apprenticeships. 

Despite these, the businesses that do offer school leaver apprenticeship programmes report benefits.  

These advantages include access to a diverse and talented pool of employees who are ready for career progression and can be trained to meet specific business needs.  

Furthermore, 76% of these companies intend to increase their intake of school leaver apprentices in the next five years. 

Grant Thornton UK People and Culture director and Talent and Recruitment head Richard Waite said: “At Grant Thornton, we have focused on the school leaver apprenticeship route, alongside graduate recruitment, for many years now and would encourage any employer to do the same.  

“Many of our senior leaders started their careers as school leaver apprentices and the skills an apprenticeship programme can provide to the individual, and the skills gaps it can address for the employer, highlights the exciting opportunity this alternative route can provide.”  

Grant Thornton’s previous studies also reveal that parents are more inclined to encourage their children to pursue apprenticeships rather than university, citing practical experience, earning while learning, and avoidance of student debt as key factors.