THERE has been a huge rise in the number of young people seeking apprenticeships as an alternative to higher education following this year’s A-level and GCSE results.

At least that’s the experience of GetMyFirstJob, a website that matches young people to apprenticeships (currently placing 800 a month) which saw a staggering 118 per cent increase in registrations on its site on A-level results day last month, compared to last year.

With an average of 5,000 apprenticeship vacancies listed on the site at any one time, August proved to be a record-breaking month for GMFJ with some 80,060 visits – a 51 per cent increase compared to 2014.

There was a whopping 134 per cent rise in sign-ups to the website on A level results day compared to the day before they were released.

GMFJ, which specialises in helping young people find an apprenticeship also experienced more than 1,000 applications on the day.

It was a similar tale on GCSE results day with registrations rising by nearly a third (31 per cent) with a total of 629 registrations on the day.

Overall the site saw a 58 per cent rise in young people interested in an apprenticeship compared to last year, with candidate registrations rising from 130,000 in May 2014 to 206,000 in September 2015.

Interestingly there has also been a big increase in the number of young people searching for jobs in particular sectors.

The financial sector, engineering and manufacturing and social media and digital marketing have all seen a more than 150 per cent growth in interest compared to last year based on candidates selecting these areas.

David Allison CEO of GMFJ said: “Apprenticeships are increasingly seen as a great alternative to University.

“Not only are young people able to gain professional qualifications that are recognised in their future professions, but they are able to gain the practical experience that makes them incredibly employable.

“And, apprentices are not only able to avoid the very significant student debt that graduates will incur, but they will actually be paid whilst they are learning.

“Every young person – and their parents – should make sure they understand the alternatives when choosing the best route for them.”