Online apprenticeship applications increase by a third

• 1.4 million applications made online in past 12 months
• Government calls on more employers to hire apprentices

New data (i) released today by the National Apprenticeship Service reveals that online Apprenticeship applications have increased by nearly a third (32%) year on year, with over 1.4 million (1,403,920) applications made for vacancies in the past 12 months.

Apprenticeships continue to appeal to employers, with close to 129,000 vacancies posted online in 2012/13 compared to 101,000 in 2011/12, representing growth of 27%.  But with each online vacancy now attracting an average of 11 applications, the Government is urging more employers to consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business.

Matthew Hancock MP, Skills Minister, 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 per cent of employers say apprentices boosted their service or product (ii) – this is testament to the benefits of Apprenticeships for both young people and the wider economy." 

Among the fastest growing Apprenticeships, in terms of the percentage increase in vacancies advertised online, are Health Optical Retail (590% increase year on year), Vehicle Sales (500%), Facilities Management (263%) and Health Clinical Healthcare Support (iii).

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 (iv). The most competitive job areas were Live Events and Promotion (35 applications per vacancy), Plumbing and Heating (33) and Marine Industry (28). 

The data also reveals the top five most popular Apprenticeship types applied for and vacancies advertised during 2012/13 (v).

Jaine Bolton, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said:  “These figures show that the demand for Apprenticeships keeps growing.  It is the first choice for many talented young people and more employers wanting young talent need to wake up to this fact.

“With such strong demand for Apprenticeships, it is vital that we encourage more employers to take advantage of the benefits that Apprenticeships bring. With dedicated support from the National Apprenticeship Service and the AGE 16-24 grant available to small and medium businesses, there really has never been a better time to recruit an Apprentice.

“86% of apprentices stay in employment after their initial Apprenticeship finishes (vi), so it’s no surprise that more than half of young people would choose an Apprenticeship if one was available. 

“That is why we are continuing to grow the range of opportunities that are available for potential apprentices.  Apprenticeships increasingly reflect the exciting world of work and they now cover over 1500 job roles in 170 different industries, with qualifications up to degree level in many sectors.” 

Potential applicants are also taking advantage of new ways to search for vacancies. A new Av Search app for iPhone and Android which launched in February has already been downloaded by almost 11,000 people.

Other key highlights from the 2012/13 data include:

• The most popular day for submitting Apprenticeship applications in the period was 10 June 2013 when 7893 applications were made in 24 hours.
• Vacancies for Higher and Advanced Apprenticeships have increased most significantly year on year with growth of 172% and 51% respectively.  Intermediate Apprenticeships grew by 23%.
• London recorded the highest growth in the number of online vacancies advertised, with 17,154 vacancies available in 2012/13 compared to 11,908 in 2011/12, an increase of 44%. The number of online Apprenticeship vacancies in the South West increased by 40%, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (34%) and the South East (33%).
• London also saw the most competition for places, with potential apprentices submitting almost 285,000 applications, an average 17 applications per vacancy, followed by the North East and West Midlands (both 13).
• Apprenticeship vacancies in Windsor and Maidenhead grew by 208% in the past year, the largest increase recorded across England, followed by Hammersmith and Fulham (190%) and Havering (123%)
• The biggest jump in applications submitted was seen in Rutland (246%) followed by Newham (124%) and Blackburn with Darwen (117%).

To apply for, or advertise a vacancy, please visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600. You can also download AV Search via the Android or iTunes app stores to find Apprenticeship vacancies in your area. For impartial careers advice, search online for “National Careers Service” or call 0800 100 900.

(i) Data taken from the Apprenticeship Vacancies database showing all applications submitted online and vacancies advertised online during 2012/13 and 2011/2012.  Latest data covers the period 1 August 2012 to 31 July 2013.

Approximately 80% of the vacancies advertised on the Apprenticeship Vacancies database receive online applications through the system, with the remaining vacancies requiring application directly to the employer. Only the ‘on-line’ applications are reported on here.

Figures are based on employers who advertise their vacancies to the public using the Apprenticeship Vacancies website, and so do not provide a comprehensive picture of all Apprenticeship opportunities.  In addition, many employers advertise independently or put existing staff through an Apprenticeship where they move in to a new role as part of their career development and training.

1,404,000 applications were made online in 2012/13 compared to 1,063,000 applications in 2011/12 – an increase of 32%. 129,000 vacancies were advertised on the Apprenticeship Vacancies website by employers and training providers in 2012/13, compared to 101,000 at the same time in 2011/12 – an increase of 27% year on year.

(ii) Figure taken from Apprenticeship Evaluation – Employer, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills  and Department for Education, August 2013 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeships-evaluation-employer

(iii) The increases in vacancies refer only to those frameworks where 10 or more vacancies were advertised in both periods. The percentage increases relate to the following figures:

(iv) Most competitive vacancies by framework / subject only include those frameworks where more than 20 vacancies were advertised. Applications made directly to the employer rather than through the online system are not counted, so the ratios are merely indicative.

(v) Apprenticeship type applied for or advertised refers to those listed under the official Apprenticeship Frameworks and standards.

(vi) Figure taken from Apprenticeship Evaluation – Learners, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills  and Department for Education, August 2013 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-survey-learners

National Apprenticeship Service

We enable our nation to generate a more highly skilled workforce. Through Apprenticeships, skills competitions and awards, which create opportunity, support development and showcase excellence.  Our endeavours enable us to:

• Transform the lives of our people.
• Stimulate growth and strengthen our economy.
• Instill pride in the skilled people of our nation.

Visit apprenticeships.org.uk for more information.