Hertfordshire parents and carers are now more likely to encourage their child to consider an apprenticeship than traditional full-time higher education.

Parents, carers, teachers and school staff across Hertfordshire are showing unprecedented support for apprenticeships, with two major countywide surveys published by Hertfordshire Futures and the Hertfordshire Careers Hub revealing a significant shift in attitudes towards technical and vocational pathways.

Now in its 8th year, the 2026 Parent & Carer Survey, delivered by Amazing Apprenticeships, attracted 3,846 responses from 55 schools.

The findings reveal a significant and celebratory milestone: 71% of parents/carers would encourage their child to consider an apprenticeship, compared with 66% who would encourage university.

This marks the first time since the survey began that apprenticeships have overtaken full time higher education as the most positively viewed next step.

Read the Parent/Carer Perspective Survey Report

At the same time, 91% of teachers and school staff said apprenticeships are a relevant option for their students, making them the most highly rated pathway ahead of FE College (81%), A Levels (79%) and university (75%).

The teacher survey also found that careers conversations are becoming more common in schools, with 86% of teachers and school staff reporting that they discuss future career options with students.

Read the Teacher Perspective Survey Report

Together, the findings suggest that the two groups who play the biggest role in influencing young people's career decisions are now strongly aligned in recognising the value of apprenticeships and technical education routes.

However, despite record levels of positivity, both surveys identified a confidence challenge. Only one in ten parents and carers said they feel fully confident supporting their child with apprenticeship applications, while just 18% of teachers and school staff reported feeling fully confident discussing apprenticeships with students.

Anna Morrison CBE, Director of Amazing Apprenticeships, commented:
“This is a landmark moment for Hertfordshire. Parents, carers and educators are more positive about apprenticeships than ever before, but we must turn that positivity into action through clearer, more accessible guidance and information about local vacancies and employers. The confidence gap is now the biggest barrier, not perception.”

Carly Wright, Careers and Enrichment Co-ordinator at Marriotts School, said:
“It’s fantastic to see parents embracing apprenticeships. The data shows that when students gain real world experience early, their confidence grows - and families feel better equipped to support them.”

Caroline Cartwright, Head of Skills at Hertfordshire Futures, said:
“This year’s survey shows a real shift for our county. Parents are ready for apprenticeships - and that’s something to celebrate. Our priority now is to look at how we can increase investment and awareness in employer engagement, particularly for SMEs.

"Policy has rightly focused on increasing awareness and uptake of apprenticeships amongst young people, but employer awareness has not received the same level of attention. This has contributed to a mismatch between demand from prospective apprentices and the availability of opportunities.

"Apprenticeship brokerage and employer engagement services could play a crucial role in helping SMEs understand the business benefits of apprenticeships, navigate funding and compliance requirements, and create new apprenticeship opportunities for our young people.”