The latest statistics show a growth in apprenticeship and traineeship figures from the latest academic year, writes the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
CITB writes:
Apprenticeships are going from strength to strength after official figures revealed they saw a boost in popularity in the first part of the academic year.
Some 670,000 people chose to learn vital skills on the job between the end of 2014 and the start of 2015, according to statistics from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. And a huge chunk of this number was made up by the 16-24 age group, with around 400,000 young people opting to enrol on workplace training schemes. There was also a rise in the number of recruits to higher apprenticeships and to traineeships, showing that more and more people are seeing vocational training as worth their while.
Ministers and industry chiefs have welcomed the news as positive for both the economy and workers, adding that it should help to keep employers focused on the value of such schemes.
Stephen Radley, CITB Director of Policy and Strategic Planning, said: ‘It is great to see the dramatic increase in apprentice numbers this academic year, particularly those aged 16 to 24. Many young people are voting with their feet to take up an apprenticeship. The growth of higher apprenticeships also demonstrates that apprenticeships are a route to skills at all levels. The challenge now for construction employers is to take this message to teachers, parents and careers advisers. Building on this success must also be a priority for the next government.’
On top of the growth in apprentice numbers, the figures show that around 9,000 traineeships have started since August 2014, helping young people get experience and training in the workplace. Meanwhile, more than 19,000 people have signed up to higher apprenticeships, which aim to prepare people for jobs in law or accountancy. And there has also been a year-on-year increase in the number of adults aged 19 to 64 in England qualified to at least Level 2, the equivalent of five A*-C GCSEs.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said: ‘Apprenticeships deliver for employers, young people, adults and the economy. Today’s figures show that the long-term economic plan is working as more and more people across the country reap the benefits of apprenticeships. I am greatly encouraged to see the significant growth in traineeships. Despite only being in their second year, traineeships are equipping thousands of young people with the experience and skills essential for the workplace.’
