Apprenticeship applications up by 37% 

According to data from CV-Library, the UK independent job board, apprenticeship roles have increased by 28% when compared to 2021 figures and are up 203% when compared to 2020 figures. These figures have been revealed in the wake of the 15th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) where the theme for the week was ‘build the future’.  

NAW brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  

During NAW, focus was given to how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop their kids and knowledge required to have a rewarding career and how businesses can develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.  

Encouragingly, according to the data from CV-Library’s survey, candidates have made 74,574 searches for apprenticeship roles in February so far, and in 2022 to date, applications to these roles have shot up by +37% on the same year period last year.   

The data revealed that the industries proving most popular during National Apprenticeship Week were:   

Top industries for apprenticeship job searches (Feb 2022 to date)  

1. Accounting/Financial/Insurance  

1. Administration  

1. Education  

1. Sales  

1. Retail/Purchasing  

1. IT  

1. Engineering  

1. Medical/Pharmaceutical/Scientific  

1. Construction  

1. Automotive/Aerospace   

When it came to taking steps to apply, young people who wanted to begin an apprenticeship chose the following sectors:   

Top apprenticeship applications by industry (Feb 2022)  

1. Administration  

1. Engineering  

1. Construction  

1. Manufacturing/Surveying  

1. Distribution   

Finally, the research also showed that apprentice salaries varied depending on the industry. CV-Library’s survey revealed that the top five highest paying industries for apprenticeships are:  

Top apprenticeship salaries (Feb 2022)  

1. IT – average salary of £25,401  

1. Education – average salary of £22,117  

1. Manufacturing/Surveying – average salary of £19,006  

1. Medical/Pharmaceutical/Scientific – average salary of £18,800  

1. Sales – average salary of £18,237  

Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library commented: “This data provides clear evidence of the increasing popularity of apprenticeships. The breadth and diversity of roles on offer is attracting more candidates and the skills shortage in the UK job market is enticing employers to invest more heavily in these schemes. If businesses don’t want to get left behind, they need to embrace apprenticeships. Training future generations of professionals should be high on the agenda for employers.”   

Ken Brotherston, CEO of TALiNT Partners also commented: “It’s great to see this trend which is a reflection of the move from many employers to take a long-term approach to addressing skills shortages. The wide range of different roles and sectors that modern apprenticeships can offer is also great to see (although traditional roles as a plumber or electrician are still in high demand and paying more than ever, too). Let’s hope this is a trend that continues to grow.”