DfE has published its latest full-year apprenticeship data.
After a modest national rise in starts in 2021/22 to 349,190, the number of individuals starting an apprenticeship in 2022/23 fell by approximately 12,000 to 337,140, further illustrating the challenging marketplace.
Locally, after a rise in starts in 2021/22 to 10,070, the number of individuals starting an apprenticeship in 2022/23 fell marginally by some 210 to 9,860. This figure is broadly 50% lower than the figures for the period running up to the apprenticeship reforms, suggesting a gradual stabilisation of starts at around 10,000.
Locally, 2,290 young people aged 19 and under started an apprenticeship last year, increasing marginally from 2,250 the year before. However, the number of 19-24-year-olds starting an apprenticeship fell from 2,870 to 2,630. The number of 25-year-plus starts remained static.
The profile of apprenticeship starts changed significantly in terms of level from 2021/22 to 2022/23. There were 400 fewer apprenticeship starts at intermediate level and 40 less at advanced level. However, there were 230 more starts on higher or degree-level apprenticeships. This continues the trend of recent years away from lower to higher-level apprenticeships.
An analysis of starts by sector suggests that the number of individuals starting an apprenticeship with an ILP fell from 7,160 to 7,120.
ILPs deliver approximately 72.2% of starts. The number of starts supported by FE fell from 1,840 to 1,660. FE now delivers 16.8% of local starts whilst HE providers remain stable at 10%. A further, more detailed analysis will be undertaken and shared with members.