At XR Consultancy, we’re passionate about creating a community where apprentices can thrive. That’s why we conducted the Apprentice Insights Survey, giving apprentices across industries a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. Today, we’re excited to share some key insights—and how you can contribute to this ongoing conversation.
Key Findings from the Apprentice Survey
Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve learned so far:
Age and Demographics: 80% of respondents fall within the 16-21 age range, showing that apprenticeships remain a popular choice for younger individuals entering the workforce. Gender representation, however, highlights a significant imbalance with 80% identifying as male, 17% as female, and 3% as non-binary.
Diverse Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships span across industries, with IT & Digital and Business Administration leading (23% each). Construction follows at 13%, while Engineering makes up 7%. A significant 33% selected “Other,” reflecting opportunities outside traditional categories.
Apprenticeship Levels: The majority (53%) of apprentices are pursuing degree-level apprenticeships (Level 6-7), highlighting the growing importance of higher education within apprenticeship schemes. Meanwhile, 23% are enrolled in advanced programs (Level 3), 17% in higher programs (Level 4-5), and 7% in intermediate programs (Level 2).
Duration and Employer Size: Most apprenticeships (50%) span 3+ years, reflecting the depth of training offered. Additionally, 90% of respondents are employed by large organisations (251+ employees), showing a strong industry presence in apprenticeship schemes.
Pay and Reviews: Annual salaries vary widely, with 47% earning between £20,001-£25,000. Salary reviews are primarily conducted annually (67%), although 17% reported no regular salary increases, highlighting room for improvement in compensation practices.
Job Satisfaction: On average, respondents rated their job satisfaction as 5 out of 6, with 70% expressing satisfaction or high satisfaction. This reflects a generally positive sentiment but underscores the need for ongoing improvements.
Training Quality: Apprentices rated the quality of training as 4 out of 5 on average, with 67% describing it as above average or excellent. Despite this, areas such as coordination between training providers and universities remain key areas for development.
Room for Improvement: Respondents voiced specific concerns in the essay section, such as:
The need for better coordination between training providers and universities.
Increased pay and annual salary increments.
Clearer pathways for progression.
Enhanced mental health support and mentoring.
Would You Recommend It? An overwhelming 97% said they would recommend their apprenticeship program to others, reflecting a strong endorsement of the apprenticeship model despite the challenges.
Why Your Voice Matters
Every apprentice’s journey is unique, and we want to ensure that all voices are heard. Whether you’ve faced challenges or celebrated milestones, your feedback can help improve apprenticeship programs for future generations.
That’s why we’re keeping the Apprentice Insights Survey open! Sharing your experience is completely anonymous, and your input will directly shape how we advocate for apprentices like you.
Take Part in the Survey
Are you currently an apprentice? We want to hear from you! Click the link below to contribute anonymously:
What’s Next?
At XR, we’re committed to acting on this feedback. Whether it’s by advising companies on better practices, creating tools to support apprentices, or simply amplifying your voices, we’ll continue working toward a future where every apprentice can succeed.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can make a difference.
Follow us on social media for updates and tips on excelling as an apprentice:
Instagram: @XRConsultancy
TikTok: @XRConsultancy
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