MORE young people are choosing engineering apprenticeships over degree courses, a report has revealed.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) says 66,410 youngsters started engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships last year, compared to the 27,155 doing higher education engineering courses.

Michelle Richmond, IET membership director, said: “With a university degree costing £27,000 in fees and no guarantee of a job, apprenticeships are more popular than ever.

“Engineering is one of few professions where there is a range of entry routes for young people to start their journey to becoming a well-respected professional engineer.

“With the Government's Trailblazer scheme, led by the IET and other industry leaders to help employers get what they need, we can only expect apprenticeships to strengthen.”