Responding to apprenticeships data released by the Department for Education on 10 October 2024, Dr Corin Egglestone, L&W’s Deputy Head of Research, said:
“Today’s provisional full year apprenticeship figures confirm that the recovery in apprenticeship starts has plateaued. At 339,000, starts are only 1% higher than last year, and 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Today’s data also shows that long-term trends in starts by level are continuing. The number of intermediate apprenticeship starts continues to fall (-7% since 22/23) and the number of higher apprenticeship starts to rise (+8%). While the growth in higher apprenticeships can be positive – given their benefits for individuals, employers and the wider economy – intermediate apprenticeships also benefit jobs, pay and productivity. They also provide a vital stepping stone for young people or those with low qualification levels. But apprenticeships are more than a numbers game, so we hope the Government focuses on quality, fair access and better outcomes as they reform the levy.”
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