Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

‘Outdated' views on apprenticeships could be holding children back

by LAUREN CODLING

YOUNG people could be dissuaded from applying to apprenticeship schemes due to the


“outdated views” of their parents, a senior minister warned last week.

The comments came after new analysis, conducted by Mumsnet, revealed that many parents were unaware of the range of opportunities apprenticeships could offer. According

to data, more than 60 per cent of parents of children aged 13-18 voiced fears that their child would be stuck “making the tea” if they choose an apprenticeship.

In addition, 45 per cent of parents surveyed said they did not think apprenticeships were

valued as highly as a university degree by the UK’s top employers.

In response, education secretary Gavin Williamson warned that those “outdated views” could be holding young people back from pursuing their dream career. “Every parent wants the best for their children and when they ask you for advice about their future, it’s incredibly daunting,” Williamson said. “But I know when I’m asked for help by my children, I will absolutely encourage them to consider an apprenticeship.”

He added: “As we celebrate the life-changing potential of apprenticeships, I would urge

all parents to do the same and look beyond stereotypes and embrace every opportunity.”

Neilesh Champaneri, 24, pursued an electrician apprenticeship in 2017. He is now a fully

qualified electrician working at Derby Homes, an organisation created to manage, maintain

and improve local council houses. He is also chair of the East Midlands Young Apprentice Ambassador Network.

Although he said his parents were supportive of his decision to apply for an apprenticeship,

Champaneri admitted concerns that others may face barriers if their families disagree with their choices.

“I think my parents were an exception,” Champaneri told Eastern Eye. “I think generally

parents haven’t been informed as well as they should be on what the benefits of apprenticeships can bring.

“(However), I think it is getting better and my job as an ambassador is trying to talk to

schools, teachers, parents and employers on what the benefits of apprenticeships are.”

Despite the encouragement of his parents, Champaneri recalled other family members

questioning his decision. Some were surprised that he was not taking the “traditional” route of university.

Acknowledging that some British Asian parents would prefer their children to follow more academic career paths, Champaneri believes there needed to be increased awareness of apprenticeships. For instance, many may not realise that some apprenticeship routes can lead to careers in law and medicine. “If more information was given, I think a lot more (of the older generation) would be persuaded,” he said.

Champaneri added that there were many harmful misconceptions about apprenticeships. Referring to the Mumsnet research, he agreed there was a stigma surrounding apprenticeships which related to the idea that young people were made to do “cheap labour”.

There could also be a perception that apprenticeships were a second option for those who did not get the grades to go to university, Champaneri added.

As an apprenticeship ambassador, he is keen to bring a level of understanding to wider

groups. For instance, previous research has shown that 90 per cent of those who had completed an apprenticeship had secured a job or went on to further learning, with 88

per cent in sustained employment. “It is not only parents who need to understand this,”

he said. “I think if young people, teachers and employers had a better understanding, it would help to dispel a lot of the uncertainty around apprenticeships.”

More For You

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai-Lama-Getty

Dalai Lama looks on as offerings presented by Buddhist followers are laid on a table during a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025.(Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India says Dalai Lama alone can decide successor

A SENIOR Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has established have the authority to decide his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The comment runs contrary to China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that after his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He had earlier said that the next Dalai Lama would be born outside China.

Keep ReadingShow less