Apprenticeship applications up 32% to 1.4 million
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Employers are being urged to take on more apprentices as Apprenticeship applications soar by a third over the year to 1.4 million.
Although the number of vacancies have also jumped by 27% in the last 12 months to close to 129,000, the disconnect means each one receives an average of around 11 applications.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “We want to see it become the norm that young people either go to University or into an Apprenticeship. To match the growing popularity of Apprenticeships, I would urge more employers to consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business.
“Research out last week showed that more than 70% of employers say apprentices boosted their service or product – this is testament to the benefits of Apprenticeships for both young people and the wider economy.”
Apprenticeships in the Arts, Media and Publishing sector were most in demand during the past 12 months, with an average of 19 applications per vacancy. The most competitive job areas were Live Events and Promotion with 35 applications per vacancy, Plumbing and Heating with 33, and the Marine industry with 28.
Natalie Thornhill
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