More than half of young people in Yorkshire would choose to do an apprenticeship if offered one, according to a new survey that highlights the rising popularity of vocational training.

The results come a day before thousands of pupils across the district learn their A-level results, and subsequently decide what career directions to take.

And the Government’s Skills Minister Matthew Hancock says the results show that apprenticeships are “fast becoming the norm” for young people looking to further education.

Data collated by research company ICM reveals that 52 per cent of the district’s 14 to 24-year-olds would be willing to take on an apprenticeship if one was readily available to them.

The figures come at a time when vocational training is becoming an increasingly attractive option for school leavers, especially in light of rising university fees.

And earlier this week, the Prince’s Trust called for the Government and business leaders to make vocational training easier for young people to access, as too much emphasis is placed on A level results and traditional forms of higher education.

The Telegraph & Argus started its Foundation for Jobs campaign in June, which calls for job creation for young people to be put at the top of the local agenda, with apprenticeships forming a big part of this.

And Bradford Council have also announced plans to increase vocational training by linking up major names in businesses, such as Morissons and Yorkshire Water with local education facilities to create “centres of excellence.”

The first, the centre for business, opens at Shipley College next month.

After the new figures were announced, Skills Minister Mr Hancock said: “Apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for school leavers who want to earn while they learn and forge a successful career, as this data shows.

“With exam results out soon, I would urge more young people in Bradford to consider whether an apprenticeship could be the right option for them.”

Research released earlier this year showed that degree-level apprenticeships were the most popular qualification with employers, followed by a university degree, and then advanced apprenticeships.