Year 1 pupils from Grazeley Church of England Primary School take part in The Spark Lab at BMW Group Academy UK in Reading

New research suggests a generational shift in when parents begin considering their children’s future working lives - from the later years of secondary school to the first years of primary school.

Two surveys, commissioned by BMW Group UK, questioned 2,500 UK parents in total, comparing the experiences of parents raising children today with those whose children have already reached early adulthood.

Among 2,000 parents who have already begun considering their child’s future working life, nearly six in ten (58%) started during the primary-school years, between ages four and 11. Ages four to six, when children are at the start of their educational journey in Reception and Year 1, was the single most commonly selected age band, chosen by three in ten (30%).

By contrast, half (50%) of the 500 parents whose children are now aged 19–24 said they began when their child was aged 15–18. Almost two fifths (38%) now wish they had started thinking about their child’s career options earlier.

The findings come as BMW Group UK launches Apprentice 2036, a campaign designed to inspire children and help families navigate the changing world of work. As the UK’s third largest vehicle manufacturer, developing future talent across its four UK production sites (Oxford, Swindon, Hams Hall and Rolls-Royce at Goodwood), as well as its Farnborough headquarters and nationwide retailer network, is a long-term business priority.

Children starting school today could be applying for their first apprenticeships in 2036, following a pathway currently taken by nearly 500 BMW Group UK apprentices in roles spanning automotive technology, manufacturing and engineering, marketing and communications.