Apprenticeship take-up still limited among young people
EngineeringUK analyses data on apprenticeships in England.
The data, published by the UK Department for Education, shows a 5% increase in engineering and technology apprenticeship starts. This will address the expected increase in job demand for the engineering, construction and digital technologies identified by Skills England.
But the Government’s goal is to have 30,000 young people starting a Foundation Apprenticeship by 2029. Based on EngineeringUK’s analysis of the DfE report, ‘this may be steep hill to climb’.
According to by Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, more women are starting engineering and technology apprenticeships. This is up to 20% of all starts in 2024/25, from 17% in 2023/24, although it still indicates a gender imbalance.
A partnership between EngineeringUK and the Gender Pathways collective continues to identify, build and advocate for solutions across the education and employment systems.
Gooch says, 'After recent long-term decline in Level 2 engineering and technology apprenticeship starts, it is encouraging that they have remained broadly stable this year.' However, starts among under-19s have reportedly still declined, and growth is concentrated in the over-25s age group.
Foundation Apprenticeships were introduced by the UK Government to increase paid entry routes for young people that were not covered in the data release, as none started in the 2024/25 academic year.
Gooch says, ‘We urge government to keep engaging with industry representatives and employers, to maximise apprenticeship opportunities for young people starting their career at Level 2.’
