The Role of Key Influencers for Young Adults Choosing the Apprenticeship Pathway to the World of Work

Young adults’ transitions from schooling to work have been and continue to be an area of interest for researchers and policymakers alike. This study examines the role of key influencers in young adults’ educational decision-making by investigating who the key influencers are and in what ways are they influencing young adults. The data was collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews. The findings indicate the key influences vary according to young adult’s social circles. The role of institutions and institutional influencers was increased when young adult’s social circle did not contain the needed information about apprenticeships and apprenticeship opportunities. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.