Apprentices are being urged to make their views known to ensure that they and future generations receive the advice, training and career they deserve.

The Industry Apprentice Council (IAC) – which has been the leading voice for apprentices since 2013 – is launching its third annual survey, designed to provide a picture of the apprentice community’s views on the key issues affecting vocational pathways.

The survey will run until 19 February and will cover a range of areas including the wider and changing perceptions of apprenticeships, satisfaction with apprentices’ own career choices and the advice and guidance they were given before becoming an apprentice.

The results will be published in the spring and will be used to inform employers, educators, training providers and the Government about their policies on apprentices.

Founded by EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry, the IAC is such an important voice on apprenticeships both now and in the future that Semta has added its expertise in skills, collaborating with EAL to ensure the voices of today’s apprentices have even more airtime, given the significant government focus on apprenticeships.

Last year more than 1,300 responses were received from industry apprentices. The results paint a picture of how apprentices themselves feel their career choices are portrayed nationwide, as well as the support they gained from their school or college.

Julia Chippendale, managing director of EAL, said: “The power of the apprentices’ voice is seen by the fact the survey is taken very seriously. It is presented to the relevant skills ministers, to MPs, stakeholders and policymakers. The first-hand experience of the young people both before, during and after embarking on apprenticeships produces compelling evidence which must be heard and acted upon.”

To take part in the survey follow the link IAC Survey 2016.  It must be completed by 19 February.