BAE Systems’ Apprenticeship Barometer Reveals Strong Shift Away from University Among Young People and Parents

BAE Systems’ Apprenticeship Barometer Reveals Strong Shift Away from University Among Young People and Parents

(IN BRIEF) BAE Systems’ 2026 Apprenticeship Barometer, based on a Censuswide survey of 1,000 young people and 1,000 parents, shows growing support for apprenticeships as an alternative to university, with 63% of parents and 62% of young people favouring them as a preferred pathway. The research highlights the increasing importance of “earning while learning,” rising concerns about student debt, and stronger demand for job security, while also revealing a lingering perception gap between parents and young people regarding the status of apprenticeships. BAE Systems plans to recruit more than 1,100 apprentices in 2026, building on its £1bn investment in skills since 2020 and its current training cohort of over 6,800 young people across the UK.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 9-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — BAE Systems has published the latest findings from its annual Apprenticeship Barometer, revealing strong and growing support for apprenticeships among both young people and their parents as an alternative to university education. The analysis, based on a Censuswide survey conducted to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February), surveyed 1,000 young people aged 16–24 and, for the first time, 1,000 parents of young people in the same age group to capture evolving attitudes towards education, training and career pathways.

The 2026 Barometer shows that apprenticeships are increasingly viewed as a credible and desirable route into long-term careers. Nearly two-thirds of parents (63%) said they would prefer their child to pursue an apprenticeship rather than attend university, reflecting growing concern about student debt and the rising cost of higher education. This sentiment is closely mirrored by young people themselves, with 62% indicating they would be likely to consider an apprenticeship instead of a degree, signalling a clear shift in perceptions compared with previous years.

Financial considerations are playing an increasingly significant role in career decisions. The proportion of young people who rank “earning while learning” as one of the most important factors in choosing their future career has risen sharply to 79%, up from 54% in 2025. This highlights the growing appeal of apprenticeships as families face ongoing financial pressures and young people seek to gain qualifications while building their personal finances.

Despite this rising interest, the research also points to a lingering perception gap. While 79% of parents believe apprenticeships should carry the same level of respect as university degrees, only 55% of young people share this view. This suggests that attitudes towards apprenticeships can still be influenced by social expectations, school guidance and broader cultural perceptions.

However, when it comes to outcomes, parents and young people are largely aligned. More than eight in ten parents agree that apprenticeships should offer the same long-term career progression (82%) and earning potential (84%) as degrees, and that employers should value both pathways equally (83%). Similarly, 82% of young people believe apprenticeships can lead to well-paid careers and provide valuable early work experience.

Job security is also becoming a higher priority for young people. Eight in ten respondents now cite it as an important factor when choosing an apprenticeship, compared with just 28% the previous year. In addition, 66% prioritise avoiding student debt, while 82% emphasise the importance of meaningful work.

Awareness of apprenticeship opportunities appears to be improving among young people, with 63% saying they feel well informed about options in their chosen field, compared with 44% in 2025. Among parents, however, awareness remains uneven. While 67% say they understand how apprenticeships work, only 41% feel there is enough clear information available to families. Furthermore, 74% believe schools and colleges still place greater emphasis on university pathways than apprenticeships.

Reflecting on the findings, BAE Systems noted that families across the UK are increasingly weighing up different routes into skilled employment. The company welcomed the growing recognition of apprenticeships as a viable and attractive pathway into high-quality careers, and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across the country.

Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills at BAE Systems, said the results underline the importance of providing clear information and accessible opportunities so that young people and parents can make informed decisions about their futures.

BAE Systems expects to recruit more than 1,100 apprentices across the UK in 2026, with the majority of roles based in the North of England alongside additional positions in the South of England, Scotland and Wales. Apprentices will contribute to major national security programmes, including next-generation combat aircraft, submarines and warships, as well as emerging capabilities in cyber and space.

Currently, more than 6,800 young people are in training across BAE Systems’ UK operations, including around 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates and undergraduates. Since 2020, the company has recruited over 10,000 apprentices, graduates and undergraduates while investing more than £1 billion in education and skills development to strengthen the UK’s industrial capabilities.

Applications for the 2026 apprenticeship intake are now open and will remain available until sufficient applications have been received, but no later than the end of February 2026.

Media Contacts:

Tom Calverley
Media Manager, UK
Head Office
Phone: (0) +44 7435 209025

Andrew McDowell
Head of Media, UK
Head Office
Mobile: +44 (0) 7796 256974

SOURCE: BAE Systems plc