Number of apprenticeships up 19 per cent in Brighton and Hove

The number of people starting an apprenticeship in Brighton and Hove has risen 19 per cent in the past year, according to the Skills Funding Agency.

The latest provisional figures from the agency show 1,560 apprentice starts in the 2015-16 academic year – up 19 per cent from 2014-15 when there were 1,310.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The results show an impressive increase and a higher take-up of apprenticeships than elsewhere in the wider region.”

The increase was recorded as the number of people starting apprenticeships in the south east fell 1 per cent from 65,030 to 64,690.

The council said: “Apprenticeships are real jobs and real careers with training. As paid employees, apprentices earn a wage and learn on the job. They go to college and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

“Many employers see apprentices as the best way of growing their business with loyal and qualified employees.

“Anyone over 16 years old can apply to become an apprentice, whether unemployed, leaving school, already in work or wanting to start a new career.”

Councillor Tom Bewick, who chairs the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “Apprenticeships can offer an alternative to university and higher education without fees which give young people more opportunities to continue their education.

“We are very proud of and value the young apprentices we work alongside at the council.

“The news of this positive trend in apprentice numbers will help develop our local workforce and shows the range of options open to young people in the city.

“We are also pleased to see this increase as it is in line with our ongoing commitment to see 1,000 apprentices employed within 1,000 days in Brighton and Hove.”

The council cautioned that the figures were provisional – along with those for other areas, including

Lewes – up 17 per cent

East Sussex – up 9.5 per cent

West Sussex – up 6 per cent

Adur – up 2 per cent

Croydon – up 2 per cent

Hampshire – down 5 per cent

Worthing – down 7 per cent

For more information about apprenticeships, visit the Apprentice Ambassadors’ blog at http://apprenticeambassadors.blogspot.co.uk.
For more information about about the choices available and post-16 education changes, visit
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/leaving-school
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/rpa