As students up and down the country get their exam results, Mitchells & Butlers plc, the company behind leading pub and restaurant brands such as All Bar One, Harvester, Toby Carvery, Browns and Sizzling Pubs has teamed up with one of the UK’s leading Teenologists, Sarah Newton, to urge students to explore all further education opportunities and not make a rush decision.

With latest research figures indicating that the rise in university tuition fees has seen graduates earning power decline by 75%, the company - which is offering 1,700 apprenticeship places across the UK this year versus just 50 retail graduate positions - is looking to educate students and their parents that apprenticeships are fast becoming a savvy choice for a strong career path.

Illustrating this, Mitchells & Butlers cohort of apprentices from across the past year, has rewarded the company with a 70.3% retention rate, over double the industry average. Plus, around 90% of its learners are in a supervisory role after 12 months.

Sarah Newton, one of the UK’s leading youth experts specialising in the emergence of Generation Z, recognised what that means for families, schools, and workplaces, she comments;

“We all want the best for our children and their futures, but we need to make sure we’re not leading them down a path that might not be right for them. As university costs continue to rise and the earning power for graduates drops, apprenticeships, which see young people earn while they learn and still proffers equal qualifications at the end, are an avenue any one unsure of ‘what’s next’ should explore.”

In a unique position, the Mitchells & Butlers apprenticeship scheme offers a full suite of learning programmes for young learners, combining practical, on the job training with study. Gaining qualifications from GCSE’s through to A-Level equivalents - learners can also, dependent on the programme chosen, go on to do a part-funded BA Degree all whilst they are earning.

Jan Smallbone, Director of Learning & Talent Development, Mitchells & Butlers comments: “Starting as an apprentice gives young people a genuine alternative to academic study, and a real path to a career. We are dedicated to working with our teams to nurture this raw talent and develop them into the future managers across our businesses.

“Our apprentices will work across our renowned portfolio of brands, learn from our experienced teams, gain a professional qualification and have a real opportunity to progress up the ladder. Your career really can start with us and help us harness a pipeline of future leaders.”

For more information on the Mitchells & Butlers Apprentice Scheme, how to apply and the variety of roles available visit www.mbapprenticeships.co.uk

For an interview with Sarah Newton, photography, video case studies, and other spokespersons please contact:

Phil Warrington or Jade Lyons: phil@spottydogcommunications.com / 01455 822 712 jade@spottydogcommunications.com / 01455 822 712

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Mitchells & Butlers is the UK’s largest operator of managed restaurants and pubs. Its portfolio of brands and formats includes Harvester, Toby Carvery, Vintage Inns, Crown Carveries, Sizzling Pubs, All Bar One, Browns, Miller & Carter, Castle, Nicholson's, O'Neill's and Ember Inns. Further details are available at www.mbplc.com and supporting photography can be downloaded at www.mbplc.com/imagelibrary

Mitchells & Butlers serves around 130 million meals and 410 million drinks each year and is one of the largest operators within the UK’s £75 billion eating and drinking out market.