Figures show slow growth in engineering apprenticeships
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Engineering apprenticeships grew at half the rate of increases in vocational training across the economy last year, figures show.
The number of engineering and manufacturing technology apprentices starting their training grew by 24 per cent to 47,020 in 2010–11, according to provisional figures from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
This compared with a 50 per cent rise across all sectors and represented just more than 10 per cent of the 442,700 apprenticeships begun in the UK last year.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) described the rise in engineering apprenticeships as a modest increase that was cause for concern.
‘If the government is serious about rebalancing the economy towards manufacturing then focus needs to be provided to ensure apprenticeship funding is targeted on this sector,’ said Stephanie Fernandes, principal policy adviser for education at the IET.
The sectors with the biggest number of and increase in apprenticeships were business, administration and law, which saw a 70 per cent increase to 130,290 places, and retail and commercial enterprise, where apprentice numbers grew by 63 per cent to 100,630.
Places in construction, planning and the built environment rose by less than one per cent to 26,560, while apprenticeships in information and communication technology increased by 52 per cent to 19,160.
Business secretary Vince Cable said: ‘This government’s unprecedented investment in apprenticeships is working for businesses and creating long-term career opportunities for record numbers of trainees.
‘I’m particularly pleased that vital sectors [such as] construction, manufacturing and engineering are continuing to back apprenticeships, despite tough economic times.
‘By helping firms build a stronger skills base, this investment puts businesses on solid foundations to deliver sustainable growth and a more balanced and inclusive economy.
‘The government will continue to improve and strengthen the apprenticeships programme to drive up standards, cut bureaucracy for smaller firms and deliver more advanced level and high-tech training.’
