Possible golden opportunity going to waste

[crapitus]

DS 16 is a bright boy. Just got A* in both GCSE numeracy and maths and is predicted to get Bs and As in the rest of his subjects (triple science, geography IT etc).

He has no real idea what he wants to do. He's very apathetic about discussing careers, preferring to bury his head in the sand and disappear off to play Xbox and football. He doesn't go far so never really needs spending money for anything so there's no real urge to earn money.

He's adamant he doesn't want to go to university. Ok, that's fine I said but you must do something. How about an apprenticeship? Not sure he said so this week (half term) I've got him in work with me in engineering dept so have a try and see if he'd like it. He's loving it, engaging, confident and getting stuck in. Today I broached the subject of joining the company in September on a 4 year apprenticeship (there will be a vacancy coming up) he'll have a good training package, it's 5 minutes away from where we live and he'll be paid right the way through.
He's not fussed as it means he'll have to go to the local college instead of doing A levels at 6th form with his friends. I think there's little point in doing A levels unless you are going to university, he thinks he can do A levels then go find a job. I think he'll struggle as most employers will be looking for either a degree or plenty of experience- he won't have either.
I can't believe he's refusing to take the apprenticeship simply because he won't know anyone on the college course.all he wants to do is go to school and come home to play Xbox or football. He'll want to learn to drive in September but if he's still in 6th form there won't be the money to buy and run a car - if he takes the apprenticeship there will be.
How can I get him to see he's throwing a golden opportunity away? Apprenticeships are like gold dust - just wish I could get him to see it. Anyone else's children manage to get a good job after A levels? Any reassurance please?

[Mary21]

He doesn't have to do an apprenticeship now but you could well have given him a direction. He could do A levels then an engineering apprenticeship. He could do A levels then engineering at uni. His views on uni might change over the next two years. When he is mature enough to go and when his friends are he might change his mind.
He could do an engineering btec at your local college.
There is a lot to be said for staying in education.
However if he was desperate to leave school now I might say leap at the chance. However this doesn't seem to be the case

[insan1tyscartching]

Well ds and dd left after A levels, ds went to work in Local government and dd went to work in a bank. Ten years after A levels ds earns £43k pa, is one of the SMT and has a degree, a Masters fully funded by his employer.
Dd now five years after A levels left the bank after a year (hated it with a passion) and moved into the Pensions department in local government. She earns £23k pa and is part way through a degree funded by her employer.
So for them it worked out really well,ds earns more and has more responsibility than all the friends he did A levels with (who went on to uni) and is tipped for the top. Dd's friends who went to uni (if not teaching/ nursing) have struggled to find employment that reflects their graduate status and in fact dd is in a senior role to graduates the same age as her at work.
I think you can only point out the benefits but it has to be their decision. Ds could have gone to Cambridge but he chose his own path (I struggled with his choice at 18 admittedly) and it was undoubtedly the right choice for him as he is well respected and very happy where he is.

[GnomeDePlume]

While a 4 year apprenticeship may seem like a golden opportunity to you for him it may seem like a massive commitment and risk when he isn't really sure what he wants to do. Three decent a levels in mainstream academic subjects will leave all his future doors open in 2 years time. Starting an apprenticeship then leaving it after 2 years because he has decided it's not for him could leave him having to start afresh 2 years behind his peers. If he doesn't yet know what career he wants to pursue then my view is that a vocational route at this early stage is not a good idea.