In a survey of 1,000 employers, half (49%) said they would prefer to see experience from a relevant apprenticeship or previous position on a candidate’s CV, compared to a quarter (24%) who would prefer to see a relevant degree qualification.

Of those who said they prioritise candidates who have relevant experience from an apprenticeship or previous job, 71% said they prefer it because it shows that candidates have demonstrated their skills in a practical setting, while 62% also said it indicates they have a better understanding of the world of work.

Suzie Webb, AAT’s director of education and development said: ’Ahead of A-Level results day, we wanted to inform young people about the things employers are looking for, to help them have a clear idea of what they need to consider as they think about their careers.

‘Many people still think that having a university degree will be most valued by employers, but our research suggests this is not always the case.’

Hazlewoods, ranked at 28 in the Accountancy league table of firms and which employs over 320 people in Gloucestershire and has 24 trainees starting imminently, has announced that it is now offering an apprenticeship scheme, with effect from September 2018.

Susan Golding, HR director at Hazlewoods said: ‘With the rising costs of going to university, apprenticeships offer a debt-free, direct route into employment.  Hazlewoods apprenticeship scheme offers many career development opportunities where trainees will obtain superb experience together with excellent training and development, and support.

‘We are very excited about our apprenticeship scheme and the benefits we can offer. Over half of our partners joined the firm as trainees, which demonstrates what a great career pathway we have.’

Report by Pat Sweet