Apprenticeships are growing in popularity among both employers and young people according to figures released today by the National Apprenticeship Service.  

The quarterly Apprenticeship Index reveals a 24% increase in apprenticeship vacancies posted online on the apprenticeship vacancies website between August and October 2013 compared to the same period the previous year – 37,410 vacancies were advertised over the three months versus 30,230 in 2012.

But with online applications leaping by 43% (to 461,530), the Government is urging employers to create more apprenticeship positions in order to meet the demand.

Matthew Hancock MP, Skills and Enterprise Minister, said: "These figures show that apprenticeships are growing in appeal to young people, and yet more young women are seeking out this unique opportunity to earn while they learn and gain a recognised qualification while notching up vital work experience.　

"With new independent research revealing that one in five employers currently have former apprentices working in senior, board level, positions, it’s also very encouraging to see vacancies increasing and new employers coming on board.

“But with each online position attracting an average of 12 applications, demand continues to outstrip supply and I would urge more employers to consider how they can take advantage of this available pool of talent and grow their business through apprenticeships.”

The greatest numbers of both applications and vacancies were in the business, administration and law sector with 165,410 applications made during the period for some 15,550 Apprenticeships, whilst retail and commercial enterprise saw the lowest ratio, 10 applications per vacancy.