New research from Grant Thornton UK LLP reveals that 25% of mid-sized businesses could be missing out on a crucial talent pipeline by not offering school leaver apprenticeship programmes.

Despite the growing recognition of apprenticeships as a valuable strategy for workforce development, barriers such as resource demands, unclear business benefits, and the complexity of the system are deterring many businesses from adopting these programmes.

However, the survey* of 605 UK mid-sized business leaders identified that businesses already offering these programmes report significant advantages, including:

Access to fresh talent and perspectives
Cost-effective training and development
Enhanced diversity in recruitment

School leaver apprenticeships are increasingly becoming part of the conversation for post-secondary education opportunities, with Grant Thornton's research showing 44% of parents now favour apprenticeships over university education (40%). This shift reflects growing recognition of key benefits: practical experience, immediate earning potential, and avoiding substantial student debt.

This changing sentiment is reflected in recent ONS data for the 2023/24 academic year, which shows an 8% increase in higher apprenticeship starts compared to the previous year. Over three-quarters (76%) of businesses with existing programmes plan to increase apprentice recruitment in the next five years.

Grant Thornton’s longstanding commitment to apprenticeships demonstrates the value of this approach. The firm has welcomed over 550 school leavers onto its trainee programme over the past four years and was named one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England in 2024 by the Department for Education.

Martin Verrall, Practice Leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in Gatwick, said: "Beyond providing young people with debt-free qualifications, apprenticeships offer employers access to diverse talent eager to learn and contribute fresh perspectives. They are a brilliant way to nurture new talent and develop skills essential for future growth. Investing in apprenticeships strengthens businesses and builds meaningful connections with our communities.

"With 76% of businesses planning to increase apprentice recruitment over the next five years, now is the time for more mid-sized businesses to embrace this opportunity or risk falling behind in the talent race."

The importance of encouraging talent from a diverse number of routes is central to growing Grant Thornton’s South East business and the team has recently been joined by apprentices from secondary, higher and further education courses.

Tax Associate Towsif Minto joined Grant Thornton’s Gatwick office as a school leaver in summer 2024.

He said: "What initially drew me to Grant Thornton was the opportunity to study for internationally recognised tax qualifications while working with industry-leading professionals. The support I received even during the application process set them apart - they provided feedback at every stage and genuinely cared about how I felt.

“While I was naturally anxious about starting my career straight from education, those nerves disappeared quickly thanks to the incredibly supportive and inclusive team environment. I've grown so much in these first few months, both professionally and personally, that I'm now volunteering at careers fairs to help other young people discover these opportunities."