New apprenticeship starts in Norfolk increase by 11%
That's compared to a national increase of less than 1.5%
New stats show the number of people beginning apprenticeships with Norfolk businesses and organisations soared by 11% in the first three months of the academic year 2024/25.
That's compared to a national increase of less than 1.5%.
Norfolk County Council says the growth between 1 August and 31 October 2024 compared with the same period in 2023/24 equates to 2,025 new starts in the county.
That is 199 more than the previous year and the highest volume in the same period for more than five years.
Apprenticeships Norfolk says starts have grown across the 16-18, 19-24 and 25+ age groups – by 7.4%, 9.6% and 14.6% respectively.
Department for Education (DfE) stats also show local businesses have been recruiting, with the number of 'newly recruited' apprentices (up to 3 months in employment at the start of their apprenticeship) rising by 10.4% compared to the previous year, and in real numbers this accounts for 94 more starts.
Analysis of the size of employers shows non-levy funded apprenticeships (those started by small to medium sized businesses) grew by 10.3% (69 more apprentice starts) compared with the same period in 2023/24. Larger businesses have also been starting more apprenticeships, with 11.2% growth or 130 more apprentices.
"Apprenticeships play a vital role in the resilience and growth of our economy"
Cllr Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council said: “It is wonderful to hear how Norfolk is leading the way in new apprenticeship starts and the perfect way to mark National Apprenticeship Week.
"Apprenticeships play a vital role in the resilience and growth of our economy, delivering the skills we need in key sectors, helping businesses to recruit, and opening up promising career paths for young people, and these latest figures show that the commitment from employers, interest from apprentices and the efforts of providers and services such as Apprenticeships Norfolk are really paying off.”
Meanwhile, the boss of a construction firm in Great Yarmouth is encouraging more young people to take up apprenticeships - saying they can offer 'unlimited' opportunities.
It comes after the Government, earlier this week, announced that employers can decide whether people over 19 need to complete their qualifications in English and Maths - rather than it being mandatory.
It's hoped the change will allow more learners to qualify in sectors like social care and construction.
"There are endless possibilities"
Tom Beales, director of Armultra thinks it's a great idea: "That brings a lot more people forward and wanting to do an apprenticeship because they know they don't need such high grades."
He says both apprentices and the businesses that take them on benefit: "We have people that have moved up into the office and now help run the company day to day.
"We also still have people working on their tools in the workshop. There are endless possibilities and options for everyone."