High flyers 'should do apprenticeships'

guardian.co.uk 25th August 2006
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David Brill

Students who earned good grades in maths and science at GCSE should consider taking apprenticeships rather than traditional academic career paths, a leading scientist has advised.

John Morton, the chief executive of the Engineering and Technology Board, warned that too many pupils were rushing into higher education without considering vocational options.

"This is not just a university numbers game. While we congratulate our students on their exam achievements, we urge pupils with an ability and interest in maths and science to seriously consider pursuing a vocational pathway via a paid advanced apprenticeship," he said.

Rather than following the traditional route to A-levels then university, students could join an apprenticeship program straight after their GCSEs, train to become an engineer, for example, and then study for a degree or a diploma while working.

"It's a route to an exciting career in science and engineering, and it's an area where there is strong demand," said Dr Morton. "Companies such as Network Rail, EDF Energy, Centrica and the National Grid are all crying out for higher quality technicians."

He also advised prospective applicants of the financial benefits that apprenticeships can bring. "Our research tells us that the average salary is around £31,000 for registered technicians," he said.

"It's skills that underpin your career rather than education and that's what people are willing to pay for. This is a real opportunity. I'm concerned that people may do other courses at universities which don't have the same career options available through apprenticeships."

Diane Garnham, chief executive of the Science Council, has also stressed the importance of proper career advice for GCSE science students. "Many young people and their parents see science as too difficult, too nerdy, too male and with poor earning potential," she said.

"We hardly ever see young scientist role models, let alone a young woman scientist. We have to show just how much science is used in all areas of society and the economy. And we must give young people decent careers advice and information on the opportunities open to them if they get a good start with science GCSEs and A levels."

Engineering is a field where Dr Morton was keen to highlight these opportunities, believing that the shortage of technicians was affecting the economy in this country.

"The government is doing quite a bit through the introduction of the engineering diploma. That comes in 2008 and we really need to make sure that people are aware of that as an opportunity," he said.