APPRENTICE bosses say workers still need more guidance at school to get into careers and boost industries.

An Industry Apprentice Council (IAC) survey says youngsters are suffering from a lack of support to pursue a trade, with many still encouraged to enter higher education.

The report comes as the North-East waits to find out if the Government will approve the region's first engineering centre of excellence.

The university technical college (UTC), led by the University of Sunderland, would be based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and accept up to 600 students a year from 2015 onwards.

Modelled on 1940s technical schools, the college would provide extended work placements and core GCSE subjects to improve skills.

A decision on the plans is expected next week.

According to the IAC report, which was carried out by 600 apprentices, 37 per cent said they received poor careers advice at school, with seven per cent revealing they had no guidance.

The survey added 99 per cent of those questioned were pleased they chose an apprenticeship, with 40 per cent saying their career move had inspired their family or friends to do the same.

It said: “The results paint a picture of the current careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG) landscape in the UK, as seen by apprentices.

“The lack of CIAG is something the IAC has already highlighted.

“Results show a lack of support for young people in schools who are interested in the apprenticeships pathway, or any pathway other than higher education, despite almost all apprentices being pleased with their choice.”