MOST Glasgow parents would rather their kids go into vocational training than academic study, a poll claims.

MOST Glasgow parents would rather their kids go into vocational training than academic study, a poll claims.

A total of 93% of families surveyed - the highest in Britain - believe employment-targeted courses or apprenticeships are a more attractive option for young people than going to university.

The costs associated with higher education and poorer job prospects for many degree subjects are thought to be discouraging parents from pushing academic study.

More than 70% of adults quizzed thought vocational courses give school leavers more employer-friendly skills than university or higher education.

A total of 2044 people were surveyed across UK cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, by independent think tank tickbox.net. A total of 85% of parents in Edinburgh said they would prefer their children to go into job-related training.

But despite the results of the poll, construction experts say the building trade is continuing to experience a shortage of skilled tradespeople.

Glasgow City Council has pledged to offer every school leaver who wants it an apprenticeship for construction work in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.

Inverclyde Council has also earmarked £300,000 to create 10 new apprenticeship posts to boost the region's skilled workforce and encourage young people to stay in the area.

Six posts will be advertised this year, with the remainder over the next three years.

Deputy council leader Iain McKenzie said: "The £300,000 for more apprenticeship posts is vital because we need to invest in the future of our young people."

The Federation of Master Builders has also launched a competition to find the construction apprentice of the year.