This newsletter often talks a lot about the perception of vocational education. While many of us understand the usefulness and necessity of this style of learning, its implementation is hampered by a seemingly unshakable image problem.

Astins Institute - a UK construction apprenticeship organization - recently launched a survey that compared attitudes toward university education and vocational education. The organization found that when interviewees were asked if they thought vocational education complimented by an apprenticeship offered them the best opportunities, 31 percent believed it would be a good opportunity. However, when the question was turned to them personally and respondents were asked if they would recommend this course of education to their child or a child they were close to, just 19 percent responded that they would.

Moreover, the study found that certain regions were more open to vocational education. Namely, Wales, West Midlands and East Midlands showed higher-than-average support for vocational education, while individuals from Northern Ireland, Scotland and London were more encouraging of university education.

Managing Director of Astins, Dominic Tutt, had this to say regarding the study's findings:

There is a marked difference in the opinions of those aged 18-24 versus those over 45 years old - with the older generation three times more likely to encourage a child to do an apprenticeship - is telling and most certainly a symptom of us having lost our way over the last few decades in providing youngsters with a real choice in terms of career progression.

NOTE: Information for this article was found in Heating and Ventilating Magazine.