Dramatic increase in the number of higher apprenticeships

Provisional figures released today show a dramatic increase in the number of people starting higher apprenticeships. The official figures show that there were more than 30,000 people on higher apprenticeships between August 2015 – January 2016.

The figures also show that there are more young people starting apprenticeships, with over 84,000 starts by under 19 year olds between August 2015 – January 2016.

Higher apprenticeships are delivering for employers and training the next generation of engineers, computer developers and chartered accountants. Some of the biggest companies in the country already offer higher apprenticeships and many are involved in designing new degree apprenticeships.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Apprenticeships offer the life changing opportunities working people deserve. The growth in the number of higher apprenticeships is fantastic, and shows that apprenticeships deliver the advanced, technical skills businesses need.