Online Apprenticeship applications leap 41%

The number of online applications for Apprenticeships in the three months to January soared 41 per cent compared with last year, according to figures released today.

More than 267,400 Apprenticeship applications were made online in the Q2 2012/2013 academic year. The number of Apprenticeship vacancies advertised online during the same period also jumped 26.6 per cent on the year to reach nearly 25,400.

The top five most popular Apprenticeship types applied for were:

• Business and administration (82,290)
  
• Childcare (21,760)
  
• Customer services (20,520)
  
• IT, software, web and telecoms (16,840)
  
• Hospitality and catering (9,530)

David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “As today’s figures suggest, more consumers and employers are recognising the benefits of Apprenticeships and the value of the high quality training available. It is great to see such significant growth in both Apprenticeship applications and vacancies submitted and advertised online in just one year.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification; and setting them on the road to success in their chosen career. For employers, hiring apprentices is a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.”

The data comes alongside the launch of a free app called AV Search, which enables users to scan thousands of jobs advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service from mobile phones.

Natalie Thornhill