An estimated 11.6 million people in the UK are not happy in their current jobs, and almost two-thirds would consider retraining for a different career if given the chance, according to new research published to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.
It indicates widespread dissatisfaction with existing career choices at a time when entry-level opportunities are becoming harder to secure and competition for roles is intensifying.
The research was carried out by Higherin, an apprenticeship provider and early careers specialist, which surveyed just over 1,000 adults across the UK to explore attitudes to work, career satisfaction and training.
Large numbers dissatisfied with career choices
More than a third of respondents, 34 percent, said they were either unhappy or only sometimes happy in their chosen career. When applied to the wider population, Higherin estimates this represents around 11.6 million people.
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At the same time, 63 percent of those questioned said they would be interested in retraining for another career if the opportunity arose. That level of interest suggests a strong appetite for change among people who feel their current role does not suit them.
Millennials appear most open to a career switch. Forty five percent of respondents in that age group said they would definitely be interested in changing careers, the highest proportion of any generation.
The figures arrive as separate studies show that opportunities for newcomers to the labour market have fallen sharply. Entry-level job postings are estimated to have dropped by roughly a third since 2021, making it harder for young people to gain a foothold in their preferred field.
Growing use of artificial intelligence has also increased competition for junior roles. Higherin said some positions were now attracting an average of 140 applicants, as automation replaces basic tasks and reduces the number of posts available.
Pressure on young people entering the workforce
Oliver Sidwell, co-founder of Higherin, said the combination of economic pressures and technological change was creating a difficult environment for early career workers.
“Young people are facing a difficult time,” he said. “The quick emergence and adoption of AI to replace low-level tasks and hard economic times is really impacting the job market, especially entry-level roles.”
Sidwell said the survey results showed how important it was for people to think carefully about their career path.
“These difficulties, coupled with the apparent unhappiness of the British people in their careers, really highlight how important choosing the right career path can be,” he said.
Apprenticeships presented as a route to change
With National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 9 to 15 February, Higherin said the findings should prompt greater focus on practical routes into new careers.
Sidwell said apprenticeships offered a realistic way for people to retrain without giving up an income.
“It’s concerning that 63 percent of people would be interested in retraining for a different job, given the chance,” he said. “It can be hard not to take the first job that comes up in those difficult times, but try to focus on a career that’s right rather than just a pay cheque for long-term happiness.”
He added that it was “clear that apprenticeships can be the way forward, letting people earn while they learn”.
Apprenticeships allow participants to combine paid work with structured training, making them attractive both to school leavers and to adults looking for a fresh start. The government has continued to promote them as a key part of skills policy, particularly in areas facing shortages.
Wider context of job market change
The survey reflects broader changes in the labour market. Many industries are changing rapidly, with digital skills and new technologies reshaping traditional roles.
For employees who feel stuck in unsuitable jobs, retraining can be difficult without employer support or access to affordable training. Rising living costs also make it harder for people to take time out to study.
Employers, meanwhile, face their own challenges in recruiting and retaining staff with the right skills. High levels of dissatisfaction can lead to lower productivity, higher absence and greater turnover.
Experts say this creates an opportunity for organisations to invest more heavily in learning and development, career progression and apprenticeship schemes as a way to keep people engaged.
Importance of early career guidance
The findings also highlight the role of better career advice and guidance. Many people make early job decisions with limited information about long-term prospects, working conditions or personal fit.
Higherin said helping young people explore options before committing to a career could reduce the risk of later dissatisfaction. The company encourages prospective apprentices to consider their interests and strengths carefully rather than simply accepting the first available role.
The research was based on a survey of 1,002 adults across the UK. Respondents were asked about their level of happiness in their current job and their willingness to retrain. Higherin used these responses to estimate the number of people nationally who may be unhappy at work or considering a career change.
