Four-fifths of young people (80%) are very or somewhat likely to start a degree apprenticeship after leaving school, according to research by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Only 37% intend to go to university, and just 2% plan to go straight into a full-time job. Learning on the job allows me to develop both technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills in a real working environment. “Among those drawn to combined pathways, earning money while studying was cited by a quarter (24%) as their primary motivation – that’s equal to the proportion (24%) who said gaining real-world work experience was the deciding factor. The research shows striking demand for what is known as the “triple pathway”, roles that simultaneously offer a salary, a professional qualification and a degree.