Online apprenticeship applications increase by 41% in a year

According to new figures ^{(1) (2)} released today by the National Apprenticeship Service, more than 267,400 Apprenticeship applications were submitted online during November 2012 and January 2013 (Academic Year Q2 2012/13).  This represents growth of 41 per cent, when compared to the same period last year.

Apprenticeship vacancies have also witnessed significant growth. Nearly 25,400 vacancies were advertised online in the three months – an increase of 26.6 per cent on the previous year. 

The data also reveals the top five most popular Apprenticeship types applied for and vacancies advertised ⁽³⁾ in the quarter, and hints to the most competitive vacancies, in terms of the number of applications per vacancy.

The release of the data times with the launch of a new, free app which will make it easier than ever before to find an Apprenticeship.  AV Search will enable users to search through the thousands of jobs advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service Apprenticeship Vacancies database on their mobile phones. 

Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, AV Search allows individuals to find relevant vacancies by inputting a keyword, such as an industry sector/job role that interests them, together with the location they are looking to find a role in.   The app then displays all the job matches and provides further information on the vacancy, including who the employer is and the closing date for applications.  Users can then link through to apply for the vacancy by registering on the main Apprenticeship Vacancies site. ⁽⁴⁾

David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service said: “As today’s figures suggest, more consumers and employers are recognising the benefits of Apprenticeships and the value of the high quality training available.  It is great to see such significant growth in both Apprenticeship applications and vacancies submitted and advertised online in just one year.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification; and setting them on the road to success in their chosen career. For employers, hiring apprentices is a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.”

Other key highlights from the Q2 2012/13 data include:  

• London has the biggest competition for each online vacancy, recording the highest number of applications per vacancy advertised. This is followed by the West Midlands and the North East. 
• Employers in London advertised the most vacancies during the period (3,970).  This was followed by the West Midlands (3040), Greater Manchester (2810) and Yorkshire & The Humber (2170).  
• The Thames Valley saw the highest growth in the number of vacancies advertised – increasing 58.7 per cent from Q2 2011/12 and Q2 2012/13.  London saw the second highest growth at 57.5 per cent.
• London registered the most Apprenticeship applications during the period (60,490), followed by the West Midlands (36,130), Greater Manchester (26,690) and Yorkshire & the Humber (22,030). 
• The Liverpool City region witnessed the biggest increase in Apprenticeship applications in the last year.  Applications rose 59 per cent – from 10,160 in Q2 2011/12 to 16,160 in Q2 2012/13.  Yorkshire and the Humber saw the second highest growth at 54 per cent.
• The most popular day for submitting Apprenticeship applications in the period was Monday 26 November 2012, during which 4,623 applications were made.

AV Search has been as an extension of the Apprenticeship Vacancies Matching Service, which enables people to search and apply for vacancies online.  It is primarily targeted at 16-24 year olds and potential apprentices aged 25 and over.  However, it can also be used as a tool for parents/guardians, training providers, careers advisors, schools and colleges, employers and other stakeholders. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes and Android app stories and is adfree.

David Way continued: “As Apprenticeships continue to grow in popularity, it is important we can offer a range of ways for people to find and apply for vacancies.  So we have introduced AV Search to make that process even easier and as accessible as possible.”

To apply for, or advertise a vacancy, please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600. You can also download AV Search via the Android or iTunes app stores to find Apprenticeship vacancies in your area.

(1)   Data taken from the National Apprenticeship Service Apprenticeship Vacancies database showing all applications submitted online and vacancies advertised online during Q2 2012/13 and Q2 2011/2012.  Data covers the period 1 November 2012 – 31 January 2013  

(2)   Vacancies advertised online on the National Apprentice Service Apprenticeship Vacancies database account for around 80% of all Apprenticeship vacancies available. The data contained in this press release should not be seen as a substitute for formal Statistical First Releases.  In addition to vacancies advertised to the public, many employers will commit to putting their existing staff through an Apprenticeship where they move in to a new role as part of their career development and training.

(3)   Apprenticeship type applied for or advertised refers to those listed under the official Apprenticeship Frameworks and standards

(4)   Due to security and technical issues it is currently not possible to apply for vacancies from within the app. Users will instead, be able to click on an Apply Now button, where they will be taken to the Apprenticeship Vacancies Matching Service online database. Here they will be asked to register, so they can continue with the application.