UK sees 15% rise in Apprenticeship uptake

VTCT has welcomed news of a 15% rise in Apprenticeships and Traineeships in the UK, including within the beauty and hair sectors. However, the figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show lower uptake figures compared to before the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy.

The ONS statistics show 132,000 National Apprenticeship starts in the period August to October 2018. In the same period 2016, 155,600 apprenticeship starts were reported. 

The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in May 2017; by registering to pay the Apprenticeship Levy, employers with a pay bill over £3 million each year qualify to use the Apprenticeship Service entitling them to levy funds to spend on apprenticeships.

Commenting on the statistics, Alan Woods, OBE, CEO of Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT), says: 

“The latest set of data regarding  apprenticeship starts is a welcome bit of good news for the sector, and a reminder for businesses of all sizes of the value of apprenticeships. I am particularly pleased that there has been an increase in the number of BAME apprentices and those apprentices with Learning or Disadvantage difficulties at this point compared to last year. Our colleges, independent training providers, Awarding and Assessment Organisations and the Institute for Apprenticeships should take credit for those increases.

“However, a drop in take-up cannot be ignored, particularly with Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeships, and this is clearly down to the lack of clarity regarding the implementation of apprenticeship reform. British businesses – from all sectors – need clear guidance on how the continuing policy and funding changes to the apprenticeship landscape will be implemented sustainably, and the Government must ensure that the benefits of apprenticeships are promoted to all learners, regardless of age, whilst also backing businesses in giving the opportunity for learners to undertake intermediate (L2) apprenticeships, as they start their careers.”

“The UK must build a strong, viable workforce, equipped with the skills we and they need, and this requires vocational and technical learning embedded throughout our entire education system. We want to see more young people take on vocational and technical career paths and traineeships, and so we need to change hearts and minds in schools, in businesses, and we need to bring learners the confidence of employability.”