The National Apprenticeship Survey has said that graduates who undertake work experience or apprenticeships are more likely to be hired for permanent work.

Josie Perry, marketing and communications director at the NAS has said that employers are increasingly recognising the benefits that an apprenticeships programme can offer their business.

"Evidence shows that employers are fully supportive of an apprenticeships programme; from large employers … to many thousands of smaller employers across the country," Perry said.

The number of unemployed people in the UK increased by 35,000 in the three months to October, climbing to 2.5 million, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released last month.

"An apprenticeship … equips them with the skills and experience they need," Ms Perry added.

Earlier this week the NAS highlighted the benefits of choosing to do an apprenticeship, after the ONS released the details of the first quarterly fall in the employment rate since the three months to April 2010.