New research by energy provider E.ON shows that almost two thirds of school leavers are considering apprenticeships or going straight into work to get a head start in their career, instead of traditional higher education like university. Two in three claim the cost of traditional higher education is too high.

Almost half say they will bypass traditional higher education because they want to work in a green job now. When asked about barriers to getting a green job, young people said there was a lack of information on the options available and they thought higher education was needed to secure a green job.

Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, said: “It’s incredibly positive that young people are actively looking to build a green career and are keen to join organisations that are focused on helping people become more sustainable. Industries that are working towards net zero are already creating thousands of exciting new jobs that deliver personal and professional fulfilment for people all over the UK.

Degree apprenticeships – where people earn as they learn within an organisation while undertaking a degree which is paid for by their employer – are becoming increasingly appealing to young Brits. Official figures show that in 2023, 430,000 students expressed an interest in apprenticeship opportunities via UCAS – a 180% increase since 2021.

Helen Tupper, expert career adviser, bestselling author of ‘The Squiggly Career’ and co-founder of ‘Amazing If’ podcast, said: “Starting your career can feel daunting when there are so many decisions to make about what to do and where to do it. However, there’s no longer a default for what ‘good’ career development looks like which means younger generations have more freedom to progress their careers in ways that work for them.

“Apprenticeships are a great example of how Millennials and Gen Z are beginning to determine their own development, allowing them to learn quickly and develop their skills in a variety of roles. With sustainability and climate considerations high on the agenda for younger generations, apprenticeships within organisations that are focused on these areas are helping people to combine their purpose with their progression.”

To find out more about E.ON’s degree apprenticeships and other apprenticeship schemes, visit E.ON Careers.