Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025

Association of Apprentices 2024 Report

It’s National Apprenticeship Week—the perfect time to highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the incredible opportunities they offer.

The Association of Apprentices (AoA) recently conducted its Big Apprentice Survey 2024, gathering insights from over 2,000 apprentices across the UK. The findings reveal the true impact of apprenticeships, the challenges apprentices face, and the improvements needed to enhance their experience.

After my time selling cars I moved into the food industry, selling household branded food products to chefs in all sorts of catering establishments. I was promoted to regional sales manager and then progressed to National Sales Manager when I moved to a very well-known tea manufacturer.

The Big Apprentice Survey 2024: Why It Matters

The survey, completed in November 2024Tryreal voices and experiences from apprentices.

Emily Rock, CEO of The Association of Apprentices, highlighted the importance of the survey:

“The Association of Apprentices’ Big Apprentice Survey 2024 provides crucial insights directly from over 2,000 apprentices, highlighting both the immense value of apprenticeships and the challenges that must be addressed. This survey is more than just data; it is the voice of apprentices themselves, who are too often left out of the conversations that impact them the most.”

At AoA, we believe that apprenticeships are transformative. This survey validates the importance of peer support, mentorship, and community—core pillars of our mission.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. The Value of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships Offer Hands-On Learning & Career Progression

• 74% of apprentices gain work experience alongside a qualification.
• 51% see career progression opportunities as a major benefit.
• 46% appreciate the hands-on experience they receive.

Personal Growth & Confidence Boost

• 78% reported significant personal growth through their apprenticeship.
• 66% gained additional training opportunities.
• 62% felt an increase in confidence as they developed their skills.

Apprenticeships Open Doors to Careers

36% of apprentices believe they would not be working in their current industry without access to an apprenticeship.

These statistics highlight the real-world impact of apprenticeships in shaping careers and providing valuable industry exposure.

2. Challenges Faced by Apprentices

Work/Life Balance & Time Management Issues

• 36% of apprentices struggle with managing work/life balance.
• 33% face time management difficulties.
• 32% struggle with completing and recording off-the-job training.

Stress & Anxiety Among Apprentices

• 62% of apprentices reported feeling stressed or anxious in the last 12 months.
• The biggest stressors were work/life balance (42%) and worries about the end-point assessment (38%).

These findings highlight the need for stronger support systems to help apprentices manage their workload and mental well-being.

3. Areas for Improvement

Based on the survey results, apprentices identified key areas that need improvement to enhance their learning experience.

Better Mentorship Programmes

Apprentices emphasized the importance of having access to experienced mentors who can guide them through their career journey.

Enhanced Learning Support & Administrative Improvements

• More personalized learning plans could help apprentices better balance work and study.
• Reducing administrative burdens would allow them to focus more on skill development.

At AoA, we are already working on many of these areas to improve the overall apprenticeship experience.

So, what better time to find out more about Apprenticeships and how they can benefit you and your organisation?

How Professional Academy Can Help

Here at Professional Academy, We offer Marketing Apprenticeships , Sales Apprenticeships and Management Apprenticeships including Business Administration Apprenticeship and would love to work with you to develop your skills and achieve your organisational aims.

Read the full AoA Report here The BIG Apprenticeship Survey 2024: Findings and Insights - Association of Apprentices