Latest figures show the total number of apprentices enrolled in the region fell by 15 per cent. The figures were revealed by Eastern Powerhouse, the body set up to drive economic growth, investment in skills, innovation, and transport to enhance productivity across the region.
“With reform to the Apprenticeship Levy high up on the new government’s agenda, the latest snapshot shows what happening in the East of England, based on August figures,” said a spokesperson.
“The total number of apprentices enrolled in the region has fallen by 15% since last year to just over 28,000, which is roughly in line with the national picture of a 17% fall.”
Eastern Powerhouse says the two most popular subject areas are business and administration, which includes a large proportion of accountancy and management courses, followed by health and care, with early years, care staff and nurses topping the list.
Engineering and manufacturing comes third – plenty of electricians and plumbers – but with only half the numbers of either of the top two.
Looking at who is delivering apprenticeships in the East, Eastern Powerhouse says the top twelve (those with 1000+ enrolments) include 8 Independent Training Providers, 3 FE Colleges and Anglia Ruskin University, which delivers mostly degree apprenticeships.
“None of the ITPs are based in the East, though some have regional bases, so our strongest locally based providers are ARU, followed by West Suffolk College with over 2,000 enrolled, then City College Norwich and Colchester College, who each have just below 1,400 on their books,” says their spokesperson.
“Overall, the state of play on apprenticeships in the EPH region reflects the national concerns which have led Labour to plan a more flexible ‘Growth and Skills Levy.’
“The number of applicants for apprenticeship opportunities is three times greater than the positions on offer; and the total volume of apprenticeships continues to fall, despite their popularity with the public.
“While higher and degree apprenticeships continue to grow, the rest are not, especially the proportion available for 16-19 year olds.”
The spokesperson added: “The East therefore reflects the national challenge to get more and better skills to improve economic growth and productivity, and to provide school leavers with greater opportunities.”
Apprenticeships in the East – High demand; low supply. Eastern Powerhouse is inviting interested to join them on 7th November at their ‘Towards a Skills Strategy for the East’ event
James Palmer, chair of Eastern Powerhouse and former Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, will be in Fenland on October 7 to update the district council’s RURAL & FARMING EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
The meeting starts at 2.30pm and details are here:
https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=362&MId=2975
