Marvin OnumonuResearch from Employment Hero found 73% of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders were ready to use new support from Government apprenticeship schemes announced in last year’s Autumn Budget.
43% said the apprenticeship system was too complex, which could put them off hiring.
Apprenticeships have led to increased productivity for 78% of employers.
78% of SME leaders held a positive view of apprenticeships.
Additionally, Employment Hero found a blended talent model is emerging, with 46% valuing apprenticeships and degrees equally.
37% valued the vocational route more, and only 11% saw it as less valuable.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “73% of SMEs want to embrace the Government’s apprenticeship push.
“That’s great news and highlights that the apprenticeship reform has the potential to help solve the youth employment challenge that currently exists in the UK economy.
“There is clearly an appetite from SMEs to give apprentices a key role in driving their businesses forward.”
Fitzgerald added: “This has to be matched by the Government to improve access and remove the unnecessary red tape that might hold SMEs back from the productivity gains on offer with the apprenticeship scheme.”
