INTEREST in apprenticeships has rocketed amid fears of unaffordable university fees and the high cost of living away from home.

The Business Services team at Brockenhurst College said they had been inundated with inquiries, both from potential apprentices and from businesses keen to take them on.

Tuition fees at most universities will rise to £9,000 per year from next year, leaving many young people looking for other options.

“Feedback from both our employers and apprentices has shown that apprenticeships have taken off so dramatically because they are mutually beneficial, especially in today’s economic climate” said Chris Pates, Business Services Manager at the college.

“Students can earn while they learn, avoid debt and get a head start on their peers in their chosen career.”

Apprentices mainly work on-site with their chosen employer as a full-time member of staff.

Laura Reynolds of New Forest Activities said taking on an apprentice from the college “has brought a totally fresh approach to our workplace and improved performance and motivation across the board, which can only be good for our bottom line”.

Apprentice Simon Lee, training to be a chef, said: “I am developing practical skill sets that are completely relevant to my chosen career path.

“Since starting last year as a commis chef things have gone so well that I have already been promoted to demi chef de partie.”