AAT research reveals employers prefer to hire candidates with apprenticeship experience

Strong communication skills, punctuality and fitting into a company’s culture are some of the top things employers look for when considering a new hire. And more employers look for practical experience, preferably gained from an apprenticeship, rather than a university degree specifically relevant to the role.

In a survey of 1,000 employers, carried out by AAT ahead of A-level results day on Thursday, 49% said they would prefer to see experience from a relevant apprenticeship or previous position on a candidate’s CV, compared to only 24% who would prefer to see a relevant degree qualification.

Of those who said they prioritise candidates who have relevant experience from an apprenticeship or previous job, 71% said they prefer it because it shows that candidates have demonstrated their skills in a practical setting, and 62% said it indicates they have a better understanding of the world of work.

Suzie Webb, AAT’s Director of Education and Development, said: “Ahead of A-level results day, we wanted to inform young people about the things employers are looking for, to help them have a clear idea of what they need to consider as they think about their careers. Many people still think that having a university degree will be most valued by employers, but our research suggests this is not always the case.”

Employer top priorities

Employers also specified the top ten priorities they look for in a candidate when they are hiring. They are:

1. How they'd fit into the company culture
2. How much experience they have
3. Their general personality
4. How well qualified they are
5. A proactive attitude
6. Ability to work in a team
7. Showing a willingness to learn
8. Ability to self-manage and take initiative
9. Showing ambition
10. Communication skills

Additional key attributes specified included good references and a desire to learn on the job.

More than a third also simply ask that candidates show common sense, and punctuality is key for three in ten.

Suzie Webb added: "This shows that employers are looking for soft skills as well as qualifications when they are hiring, and is potentially why so many prefer to see an apprenticeship on a CV.

"Many AAT students study our accounting qualifications as part of their apprenticeship, and we see how they are able to learn things such as how to fit into a company’s culture, work as part of a team, and develop communications skills, because they are in a real work environment.

"Young people who are receiving their A-level results should remember that it is as important to build up their soft skills as it is to gain qualifications, to give them the best chance of having the successful career they want."

Be cautious on social media

One other thing young people should consider when thinking about their future career is their conduct on social media, with 49% of employers telling AAT they have used candidate social media profiles to gauge whether they are fit for a job.

Of those who checked social media before making a hire, more than two thirds have denied an applicant the job based on their questionable online conduct.

And finally, a key recruiting factor is the quality of a CV. Writing a first CV is something that many young people will have to consider. More than one in 10 employers said they are likely to disregard a CV if it has poor punctuation throughout, and a quarter would do the same if there were any incorrect spellings to be found.

Find out how an AAT apprenticeship could help your career