Apprentices will earn more over their lifetime than they would have done without their training, according to government research.

The study, commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills, estimates the value of an apprenticeship to be higher than for other vocational qualifications.

Researchers looked at the contribution the apprenticeship programme is making to the economy.

According to the study, wage returns to apprenticeships have increased over the last ten years, and good returns for women at level 3 (vocational; equivalent to A level standard), have been seen for the first time.

Skills minister Phil Hope said: "This report shows the real value for young people of undertaking an apprenticeship. It confirms that it pays to be an apprentice.

"Many people think that apprenticeships are a thing of the past. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. The programme is going from strength to strength, and the status and quality of the programme is rising all the time.”

Sir Roy Gardner, chairman of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and chairman of Compass Group plc said: "This piece of research adds to the benefits by quantifying the financial return of giving people the right training, the right skills and the right qualification. Apprenticeships not only benefit the individual throughout their working life, but also the business, irrespective of size and sector.

"As businesses, our main concern is to remain successful and competitive – we compete in an increasingly global economy and we need skilled workforces to remain competitive. Apprenticeships are one of the most cost effective and practical ways to build these workforces."