More than a quarter of a million people submitted an apprenticeship application online between November 2012 and January 2013, representing a 41% increase on the previous year, according to the latest figures from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
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While online applications have seen significant increases, apprenticeship vacancies have also risen to nearly 25,400 – a 26.6% year-on-year increase.
The NAS data also highlighted the five most popular apprenticeship types applied for and the vacancies most commonly advertised during the three-month period, as well as the most competitive apprenticeship vacancies advertised online.
London had the highest number of apprenticeship applications (60,490), followed by the West Midlands (36,130), Greater Manchester (26,690), and Yorkshire and the Humber (22,030).
David Way, chief executive of the NAS, said the figures reflected employers’ awareness of the value of hiring and training apprentices: “As today’s figures suggest, more consumers and employers are recognising the benefits of apprenticeships and the value of the high-quality training available.
“For employers, hiring apprentices is a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.”
Top five apprenticeship applications | |
1. Business and administration (82,290 applications made). | |
The NAS has also announced the launch of an app called AV Search, which it said will make it easier to search for apprenticeships.
The app will enable users to explore the NAS database for vacancies and information about prospective job roles.
For more information on apprenticeships, see Personnel Today’s employers’ guide.
Top five apprenticeship vacancies | |
1. Business and administration (6,460 vacancies posted online). | |
Top five most competitive vacancies advertised online | |
1. Health pharmacy services. | |
