In light of A Level results day, over half of UK companies are currently facing problems attracting appropriately skilled staff – as highlighted by the recent outcry from BP for skilled engineers. Vocational training not only enables organisations to fill the skills gap, but also offers young people a way into permanent and stable employment. 68% of employers would like to see more candidates with vocational qualifications and practical skills, and yet 59% of teachers have admitted that they do not possess enough knowledge in order to point school-leavers in the direction of vocational training.

Despite high unemployment rates for current graduates, it appears that Britain is facing a ‘skills gap, with not enough highly skilled individuals to fill the ever increasing employment needs of the skill-based industries. With 8,000 hair dressing jobs up for grabs and the average plumber earning £35K and substantially more if they decide to run their own business, it seems that vocational courses should be considered a viable option and not just a plan B.

Research reveals that only half of UK parents (45%) would encourage their child to carry out skills based training in order to get on the employment ladder. This questions whether young people and their parents are truly aware of vocational qualifications, or considering how they can use their skills and passions to find a satisfying career without a costly three-year academic diversion.