Career Academies UK is urging those contractors working in the fields of air conditioning, heating and ventilation to take advantage of the fact that there are many bright 'A' level students who lack the financial means, but not the aptitude, to go to university.
Recent research has found that 38% of students are concerned that they may be unable to afford to pay the fees and 26% are deterred from going to university by the fear of a lack of jobs on graduation.

The research among students expecting their 'A' and 'AS' Levels today comes from Career Academies UK, a business-led charity that helps young people bridge the gap between school and work by giving them access to real experience of the working world.

Similar research conducted in January by Career Academies UK showed only 13% thought university was worth £9,000 per year.

Whatever path they plan to take, an overwhelming 83% of 17-19 year-olds that have been through a work experience programme say they are optimistic about their futures, underlining the confidence they derive from active support, enhanced careers guidance and paid internships. Over 95% aspire to attend university, go into a full-time job or take up work-based learning such as apprenticeships.

Says David Walker, policy director at Career Academies UK: 'The air conditioning, heating and ventilation profession has a real opportunity here. Instead of seeing a 19 year-old job applicant as unwilling or unqualified to go to university, contractors working in these fields looking to recruit should see them as enthusiastic prospects blessed with aptitude, enthusiasm and the 'can do' attitude that helps build businesses'.