According to research from business development consultancy Sandler Training, three out of four small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) believe that a degree is now worth less than it was 10 years ago when it comes to getting a job.

The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on employers to take action and hire trainees after its Small Business Index highlighted a growing skills gap which acted as a barrier to growth.

The Express & Star, the UK’s biggest regional daily, is proving that apprenticeships are just as valuable in white-collar professions by bringing five apprentices on to its team.

Iain Murray, senior policy officer at the TUC said: “We are supportive of traineeships but we think there need to be safeguards in place to ensure young people are not being exploited.”

If you want to find out more about the options available to you when you finish school, head to Skills London 2014, the jobs and careers event for young people, on 21st-22nd November at ExCel.

Check out this video which shows two young people’s journeys from NEET to Level 4 qualified Higher Apprentices in Employment Related Services.