Becoming an apprentice has its advantages

EXAM results were out this week and school-leavers are being urged to consider all of their options to achieve their dream career – apprenticeships as well as traditional university degrees.

Research by Barclays and the Centre for Economics and Business Research shows the average lifetime earnings gap between graduates and apprentices is just 1.8 per cent (£2200).

In some areas, apprentices can earn more than graduates including in arts, media and publishing, agriculture, horticulture and animal care and social sciences.

And apprenticeships offer the chance to gain qualifications up to degree level while earning – without taking on student debt.

Mike Thompson, head of apprenticeships at Barclays, said: “Despite apprenticeships becoming popular, there are still misconceptions among young people that they aren’t as valued as a university degree.” ● TWO-THIRDS of workers enjoy having a dress code but the other third want their boss to ditch it as they feel it is outdated, a study has revealed.

The research, carried out by job board CV-Library, showed more than a quarter said dress codes made people feel uncomfortable and a further quarter said they didn’t allow people to show off their personality.

Less than a fifth said changing styles made them outdated.

Those who favour smarter clothes for work say they think it makes them feel more professional and therefore more productive.

Others said work clothes should be separate to casual wear.