More needs to be done on apprenticeships, says Career Creators

BIRMINGHAM and Solihull training organisation umbrella group Career Creators has welcomed the latest apprenticeship statistics.

But it suggests that, although progress has been made, more needs to be done.

New data shows a record high of 15,000 apprenticeships vacancies in over 1,400 job roles will be made available nationally to hopeful learners this summer, yet a record number of 100,000 applicants have been received by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).

Numbers are less encouraging locally with currently only 653 vacancies in the West Midlands.

Martin Grubb, chairman of Career Creators, a network of 50 approved training organisations, believes the figures paint a mixed picture for young people in the area.

“It is encouraging to see the numbers of apprenticeship vacancies increasing and it’s important we keep making progress. However, what the statistics also show is that on average, there are seven applicants for every apprenticeship vacancy advertised and a potential shortage locally,” he said.

“These announcements by the NAS emphasise the need for a coordinated approach between employers, training providers and colleges and local government.

“With students facing one of the toughest climates for job outlook in 20 years, coordinating our plans will give young people in the region and therefore the region as a whole the best opportunity for both short and long-term prosperity.”