Apprenticeship opportunities in Sussex are bucking the national trend.
Government figures revealed a 19% drop in the number of 16 to 18 year-olds beginning apprenticeships between February and April this year than the same period last year.
But according to figures from the National Apprenticeship Service, 18,760 apprenticeship applications were submitted across Sussex and the south east between February and April 2013. This represents growth of over 36%, year-on-year.
Apprenticeship vacancies also witnessed significant growth. Over 2519 vacancies were advertised online in the three months – an increase of 25% on the previous year. On the 26 April 17,700 live vacancies were available online nationally, the highest number recorded.
Mark Howard, Divisional Area Director for the National Apprenticeship Service, Southern said: “The National Apprenticeship Service is working with employers, of all sizes, across Sussex to support the growth of quality apprenticeships in line with the Government’s aspirations for apprenticeships.
“The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers has now supported 29,100 new apprenticeships, of which 65% are 16 to 18-year-olds.
“We continue to work with employers and training providers to make it easier for employers to provide opportunities for young people across Sussex and to increase the number of young people who are ready to take up apprenticeship opportunities.
“This work includes raising the profile of apprenticeships to young people considering their career options and promoting our online recruitment service, apprenticeship vacancies, which is matching thousands of young people to suitable opportunities.”
Matthew Hancock MP, Skills Minister, said: “With more vacancies than ever before, apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for young people in Sussex who want to achieve their career goals through an alternative route to university.
“We want more employers to take advantage of the advice and support available from the National Apprenticeship Service and consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business.”
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