The number of school leavers embarking on apprenticeships has risen by more than 15% in just 1 year and are increasingly popular with 16- and 17-year-olds, new figures have shown.
The figures, collected from local authorities, reveal that in March this year compared to March 2013:
- 15% more 16- and 17-year-olds are in apprenticeships – up from 41,738 last year to 49,228 this year
- 27,832 more 16- and 17-year-olds are participating in education or training – up from 1,030,689 last year to 1,058,521 this year
- 8 out of 9 regions in England reported higher rates of young people in education or training compared to last year
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “There is no better engine of social mobility and success than a place in education or training. And today’s figures confirm that young people across England are increasingly seeing apprenticeships as a great way to fulfil their potential.
“This confirms our reforms to give young people a clear path to work or further education are working. Further data published last month shows the lowest level of 16- to 18-year-olds NEET since records began – showing our long term economic plan is delivering for young people.”
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