Apprentices are more likely to be able to afford their own home by the age of 21 in several east Lancashire boroughs, according to new analysis of average earnings and house prices.

Lancashire has been identified as one of the most affordable places to buy a house, according to BAE Systems. 

The study found that Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn are among the most affordable places for non-graduates to get on the property ladder.

Apprenticeships allow young people to earn while they learn from the age of 16, gaining qualifications without any associated debt.

In contrast, university students in England leave with an average debt of £48,470.

A first-time buyer in England currently pays an average of around £255,000 for their home, which is just over nine times the average salary of an apprentice five years after completing their apprenticeship.

However, there are 70 local authorities in England where apprentices could get a mortgage as a solo buyer in their 20s, assuming the average first-time buyer deposit of 15 per cent.

Burnley has an average house price of £100,649 and a mortgage amount of £85,552, with an apprenticeship ratio of 3.1.

Meanwhile, Pendle's average house price is £109,930 and the mortgage amount is £93,441 with an apprenticeship ratio of 3.4.

Eva, a 21-year-old project management degree apprentice at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness who recently bought her first home, said: "I never would have thought I’d be able to buy a house at 21, but earning whilst learning made it possible."

Dr Jacqueline Hall, head of apprenticeships and skills at BAE Systems, said: "Apprentices typically start their career paths a little earlier.

"Without the burden of student debt and with many of our sites located in areas where home ownership is more affordable, an apprenticeship provides them with a distinct advantage in getting on the property ladder."

There are more than 5,500 apprentices in training at BAE Systems, with the recruitment window for next year’s intake now open.

Durham, Tyne and Wear, East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria also make the list of most affordable places to buy, according to the BAE research.