Parents would shun an Oxbridge education for their children in favour of degree-level apprenticeships, a new study has found.
In a survey of 1,000 parents commissioned by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), more than 80 per cent said they would prefer their offspring took on a degree-level apprenticeship than to follow the traditional degree route.
And three in five parents would choose for their kids to do an apprenticeship with a top firm over a degree from Cambridge or Oxford.
Improved chances
Half of respondents said they felt a degree-level apprenticeship would give their child a better chance of getting a good job than if they went to university. Parents who themselves had a university degree were most inclined to agree.
Of those parents questioned, they were more likely to think that a high-level apprenticeship, giving their child the opportunity to earn while they learn and avoid racking up debts, was better value for money than a traditional degree.
Around 25 per cent of parents responding to the poll said they would not encourage their teen to do an apprenticeship, with just 10 per cent admitting they would disapprove of the choice. Around 40 per cent said they would happily encourage the apprenticeship route.
‘Guaranteed profession’ beats top unis
CMI chief executive Ann Francke told the Daily Mail: “As student costs rise and employment prospects fall, it’s hardly surprising parents would rather pick a guaranteed professional career over an Oxbridge degree for their children.
“Savvy parents are recognising the importance of their children getting their foot on the career ladder at an early age.
“On-the-job experience and a pathway to professional status are recognised as a surer route to future success than the jobs lottery that many graduates face today.”
