Apprenticeship starts continue to fall in the short term

Figures released by the Department of Education report a fall in the number of apprenticeship starts in November

The number of apprenticeship starts has continued to fall with figures for November showing a 35 per cent drop compared to last year, months after the introduction of the new apprenticeship levy.

However despite the figures, apprenticeship take-up will still reach and exceed previous levels, so say Arch Apprentices, the UK’s leader in digital, IT and HR apprenticeships with esteemed clients including Google, MTV, Facebook, John Lewis and Barclays.

Co-Founder of Arch Apprentices Ben Rowland said:

“We have been saying since the levy was introduced, that it would take time for the numbers to catch up with previous levels and then, as people get to grips with the reform, for numbers to grow. The great news is that companies are doing it properly and taking their responsibility seriously, and coming up with great plans for implementing apprenticeships in their businesses. We’re excited that the growth we’ve experienced over the next 12 months looks like it’s going to replicated more broadly”

Arch Apprentices has seen more than 180% growth in the last year and attribute this to a focus on digital skills and talent, extensive engagement with employers to help them get to grips with the levy and an ability to reach and attract the very best candidates.

The brand recently moved into their new office in the 13 story I-HUB within Imperial College London’s White City Campus alongside sister company Avado. The hub forms part of the Scale Space development, launched last month by their investor Blenheim Chalcot and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Matt Hancock. It aims to translate innovation and research into new products and services by co-locating businesses, major corporations, start-ups and entrepreneurs alongside Imperial’s academic community.

Rowland said:

“Our new location at the hub of innovation in one of the country’s leading universities and in an area of London undergoing huge development, reflects what apprenticeships in the new era are all about’

Prof David Gann, Vice-President of Imperial College London said:

“Imperial College is delighted to welcome AVADO and Arch to the White City Campus. They join an ecosystem of fast-growing technology companies and their collaborative approach to their own business development expands and enhances capabilities across the innovation district.”

Mark Dawe, Chief Executive, AELP says:

“Here is hard evidence rather than anecdote and we don’t want to hear any more excuses.  These latest figures seem to confirm that the government is currently way short of hitting its manifesto target.  But the real concern is the impact on social mobility as we see fewer starts for young people and at levels 2 and 3. 

“How many more months’ data do we need before the government starts taking action?  AELP is calling for no more employer contributions towards apprenticeships for 16 to 24 year olds at non-levy paying employers, or at employers that have exceeded their levy.”