The number of apprenticeship vacancies hits a high as the nation’s employers back a new generation of workers.
Data released today reveals a 28 per cent increase in apprenticeship vacancies posted online on the apprenticeship vacancies website between August and October 2014 (Academic Year Q1 2014/15) compared to the same period the previous year. 46,920 vacancies were advertised over the three months versus 36,690 in 2013/14. This is in addition to thousands more opportunities offered by employers to young people directly.
The greatest number of online vacancies was for Business, Administration and Law apprenticeships (18,940), whilst Health, Public Services and Care apprenticeships saw the biggest rise in vacancies year-on-year, with an increase of 50 per cent.
There were also noticeable rises in the number of apprenticeship vacancies within the vital STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields. Apprenticeship vacancies advertised online in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies and Information and Communication Technology both recorded a 23 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said:
“Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s drive to equip people with the skills employers want and need. We want it to become the new norm for people to choose between an apprenticeship or University as equally prestigious routes to a great career. That is why it’s so encouraging to see even more excellent apprenticeship opportunities available across the country.”
National Apprenticeship Awards winner, Griffon Hoverwork, is just one employer offering STEM related apprenticeships. After identifying skills gaps within the marine industry, the company made a major investment in apprenticeships. The Southampton-based firm, which is a worldwide leader in the design & manufacture of hovercraft, now employs 25 apprentices who are training as marine engineers, electricians and outfitters, GRP specialists, aluminum fabricators, welders and designers.
Mike Chalkley, Engineering Director, Griffon Hoverwork, said:
“We are champions of apprenticeships and are doing all we can to raise their profile within the marine industry and beyond. We’ve seen the benefits of apprenticeships to our business and want to encourage others to take action and reap the same rewards.”
The data also shows that higher apprenticeships, which offer a way to enter professional careers by gaining valuable work experience whilst achieving a degree-level qualification, are on the rise and have almost doubled in the past year. More than 450 higher apprenticeship vacancies were advertised online in the first three months of the 2014/15 academic year.
The most popular apprenticeships to apply for online were in Business, Administration and Law (166, 280) and Retail and Commercial Services. (61,590).
The annual celebration of apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week 2015 takes place from 9-13 March 2015. Go to www.gov.uk/naw2015 to find out how to get involved. Or to find out more about apprenticeships visit greatbusiness.gov.uk/apprenticeships if you’re an employer, apprenticeships.gov.uk if you want to find out about becoming an apprentice or call 08000 150 600. Businesses can also access all the support and advice they need at greatbusiness.gov.uk.
Charles Staples is an editorial assistant at HRreview.
