YOUNGSTERS in East Lancashire believe work experience, rather than qualifications alone, will help them secure a job, according to a new survey.

Research by East Lancahire-based training provider Training 2000 found that work experience was held in higher regard than qualifications by students.

Around 40 per cent said that work experience was more important than gaining qualifications alone.

The youngsters identified Sir Richard Branson and Lord Sugar as famous people they most aspired to be like, stating that wealth, how they conduct their business and vision were the qualities they admired most.

Steve Gray, chief executive of Training 2000, said: “The results were very interesting and provided a great insight into the thoughts of young people in the area.

“We were surprised to see that bank balance was the most popular choice for how they will measure their success in the future, because salary is just one factor of many that can be attributed to being successful.

"Job fulfilment, training and a healthy work-life balance are also very important, and we believe that is why apprenticeships are often such a popular choice for young people.

“By combining on-the-job training with a nationally-recognised qualification, apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds for those who don’t want to choose between further education or paid work.”