On 15 August, students across the country will receive their A-level results with many planning to go to university. However, an increasing number of young people are now proactively seeking alternatives to the traditional academic route to better fit their personal circumstances and career goals.

In fact, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), 59% of young people aged 13 to 17 are considering an apprenticeship with 42% choosing this route as they want to earn while they learn, while 34% say they want to acquire new skills. Coupled with a widening skills gap, with cross-sector shortfalls now reaching an 18-year high of 80% in the UK, this trend highlights a growing need to offer young people flexible and diverse career pathways that prioritise skills development, such as paid apprenticeships, to simultaneously meet the needs of the new generation, fulfil employers’ requirements, and boost higher skills in the workforce.

Commenting on this, AIPCA & CIMA vice president, Paul Turner, said: “Studying for a degree is a great personal and professional choice to make. However, this route is not for everyone. Through the CIMA apprenticeships programme, we offer a powerful alternative to building a fulfilling and successful career for talented young people who, for whatever reason, decide not to go to university.

“Our apprenticeships enable candidates to gain a globally recognised professional qualification, while getting finance industry experience, developing practical skills, and earning a salary. Employers are certainly not dropping their standards by taking on CIMA apprentices. Instead, they are making a strategic investment in the future of their organisations by ensuring that they have the right talent in place to drive innovation, business growth, and long-term success.”

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