Chris Carr, managing director of Carr and Carr Builders in Grimsby, said industries such as construction are ideal for young people looking to forge a career but said it was often overlooked.
“I still think we’ve got a bad impression with parents… especially with the A-level students, we are not seen as a great career choice,” he said.
“The main thing now is that we’ve got very technical with housing and we do need more of the A-level students coming into the industry.
“In Europe, construction workers are seen as being really high profile. They’re seen on the same level as a solicitor, with three or four years training.
“But in the UK, especially, we’re known as a career of last resort.”
There is an ongoing debate about whether university or an apprenticeship is the better option for young people leaving education.
University has traditionally been seen as the pathway to higher-paying jobs and greater career prospects.
However, rising tuition fees, increasing student debt and the growing cost of living have led many to question whether a degree is the best option.
As a result, there has been a growing push towards apprenticeships and other practical routes into employment.
But Sarah Whitaker, director of UK student recruitment at the University of Hull, said university is still a strong option for young people.
She said: “There is such a wealth of information out there about different things like apprenticeships, about degrees, it’s about making use of all of that information and making sure that you find something that is the right fit for you.
“But we do really believe that university still offers one of the best opportunities to really find yourself and find that path in life where you can be successful.”
Additional reporting by Holly Phillips.
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