A survey, conducted by Avado Learning in collaboration with Arch Apprentices, has found that 15% of 16 to 25 year olds were not confident in their management capabilities. Sixteen per cent stated that they had asked their employer for more training - which they had not received. Various reasons were given for the lack of training, with 45% saying that cost had been cited; 42% mentioned lack of time and 19% stated that they would have been required to pay for their own training.

The survey has also highlighted a confidence gap between male and female managers in the UK workplace. Almost half of the men polled said that they were very confident in their management skills, compared to only 30% of women polled - and a fifth of female managers even admitted they would rather be managed by a man.

The findings showed that age also played a part in the way management was perceived - with 68% of 20-24 years-olds saying they felt their age was a hindrance to their colleague's confidence in them as a manager. Nearly half of UK managers felt their gender or age had diminished their colleagues' confidence in them.

The Chief People Officer at Avado - Dean Corbett - said he did not believe that dealing with these issues was exclusively the responsibility of HR, but he added that it was commercially essential. He said:

“On a basic human level, no one should be made to feel there is a cap on their potential. It might be suggested by some that a lot of previous attempts have been box-ticking exercises. To address this, businesses need to be clearer and more direct about action.”

Amy Crawford - Managing Director at AVADO - stated:

"It is disappointing to see the negative impact gender and age has on confidence in management capabilities but encouraging to see the powerful impact that being qualified can have on employees."

Unison Assistant General Secretary, Christina McAnea, recommended that businesses should run regular courses to tackle any sexist or ageist beliefs - adding:

"Employers must make sure their managers have the best possible support, so that no one is ever made to feel they're not up to the job.”