Consumers back apprenticeships

A YOUGOV survey found that the average consumer is more likely to buy from a business if it offers apprenticeships.

According to the North West survey, 84% of 2,000 adults preferred a business which supported young people.

The survey was taken on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Scheme to launch its Good for Business initiative which is seeking to increase the number of apprenticeships available to 16-18-year-olds.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “It’s great that supporting young people is just as important to the area’s consumers as environmental and fair trade credentials when it comes to buying products or services.

“But this isn’t the only benefit that hiring an apprentice can bring to a business.  We know from previous research that 80% of employers agree that apprentices make their workplace more productive.”

The survey also showed consumers’ support for young job seekers in the current economic climate with 98% of people in the North West saying that they think it is important for companies to take on apprentices during the recession.