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Apprenticeship numbers increase
More than half a million people started an apprenticeship in the past year, with strong growth at advanced and higher levels, according to new figures.
There has been an increase in the number of apprentices, figures show
More than half a million people started an apprenticeship in the past year, with strong growth at advanced and higher levels, according to new figures.
The Government said the increase of almost 50,000 compared with the 2010/11 academic year was a "momentous" achievement.
Skills minister Matthew Hancock said: "It shows our passion for skills, and is a ringing endorsement from employers and apprentices alike, who are reaping the benefits of a more highly-skilled workforce.
"I am particularly pleased to see such a big increase in the number of people signing up for advanced level and higher level apprenticeships, which open the road for people wanting to become engineers, lawyers and accountants."
Tess Lanning, senior research fellow at the IPPR think tank, commented: "The increase in apprenticeships is very welcome, but much of that growth has come from over 25s, rather than in places for young people.
"Over 25s now take 44% of all apprenticeships. What's more, workplace skills training for adults has fallen by 275,400 places, suggesting that employers have simply shifted their workers on to apprenticeships in order to continue getting government funding."
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