Apprenticeship Statistics 2023/24: A Positive Year for Starts and Completions

The latest apprenticeship statistics for the 2023/24 academic year are in, and there’s good news on two fronts: apprenticeship starts are up slightly, and completions have seen a significant increase. For businesses of all sizes and trade associations, both these figures are vital. Starts reflect growing interest and uptake, but completions are what deliver real, lasting value. Let’s look at the key numbers and why this double increase is so significant.

Key Highlights from the 2023/24 Statistics

1) Starts Continue to Rise

2023/24: 339,580 starts (+0.7% from last year)

2022/23: 337,140 starts

The increase in apprenticeship starts is a positive sign that businesses and learners alike continue to see the value of apprenticeships. More starts mean more opportunities for businesses to find new talent and for individuals to develop skills in the workplace.

2) Completions See a Significant Boost

2023/24: 178,220 completions (+9.8% from last year)

2022/23: 162,320 completions

While increased starts are essential, completions are where the real impact is! The sharp rise in completions shows that more apprentices are finishing their training and entering the workforce with the skills they need to succeed. This is great news for businesses, as it reflects a greater return on their investment in apprenticeships.

3) Higher Apprenticeships Keep Growing

2023/24: Higher apprenticeships make up 36% of all starts, up from 33.5%.

Level 6 and 7 starts: 50,110 (+7.1% from last year).

Growth in higher-level apprenticeships highlights a shift towards more advanced skills, particularly in areas like management, digital technology, and engineering. Coupled with the increase in completions, this trend ensures businesses can access skilled workers who are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

4) Government Incentives Expand Support for SMEs

The government’s expansion of the ￡1,000 incentive grant to apprentices aged 16 to 21 years old has made apprenticeships more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This support encourages businesses to take on young talent and provide the resources to help them complete their training successfully.

What This Means for Trade Associations and Businesses of All Sizes

For Trade Associations:

Trade associations play a critical role in shaping apprenticeships within their industries. The latest stats provide opportunities to:

• Promote Industry-Specific Apprenticeships: Advocate for programmes aligned with sector needs, particularly higher-level apprenticeships that address skills shortages in areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), information and communications technology (ICT), and management.
• Support Members: Provide resources and guidance to help members access government incentives, design effective apprenticeship programmes, and improve completion rates.
• Advocate for Policy Improvements: Use the positive trends to push for further support, such as increased funding or expanded eligibility for grants.

For SMEs:

Small businesses can harness apprenticeships to build teams and drive growth. The increase in starts and completions means:

• More opportunities to attract young talent who can grow within your company.
• Confidence in investing in apprenticeships, knowing completion rates are improving.
• Financial support through grants to offset the costs of hiring and training apprentices.

For Larger Businesses:

Larger organisations can use apprenticeships to develop robust talent pipelines:

• Focus on higher-level apprenticeships to upskill employees in critical areas like leadership or digital transformation.
• Collaborate with trade associations to create apprenticeship programmes tailored to industry-specific needs.
• Use the improving completion rates as a metric to refine and expand existing apprenticeship programmes.

Why Completions Should Be a Bigger Focus

While apprenticeship starts often grab the headlines, the real impact lies in completion rates – and the 2023/24 figures reflect a continued improvement in how apprenticeships are being delivered and supported.

Why is this so important? Because completed apprenticeships mean:

• Skilled Talent in the Workforce

Every completion represents a person who has successfully gained the skills and experience they need to contribute effectively to a business and industry. For SMEs, this translates into a workforce that is trained, capable, and ready to make an immediate impact.

• Better Return on Investment

Apprenticeships require time, effort, and resources from employers. High completion rates ensure that this investment pays off. Whether it’s a Level 2 apprentice mastering customer service or a Level 6 apprentice developing advanced technical skills, completions mean you see the full benefit of your commitment.

• A Positive Experience for All

Rising completions suggest that apprentices are feeling supported and engaged throughout their training. This not only benefits businesses by creating motivated employees but also strengthens the reputation of apprenticeships overall, encouraging more people to consider this route.

For trade associations, focusing on completions strengthens the industries they represent by ensuring apprenticeships produce the skilled professionals needed to meet sector demands.

Conclusion: A Stronger Year for Apprenticeships

The 2023/24 apprenticeship statistics paint a positive picture for businesses and trade associations alike. The rise in starts indicates a growing interest in apprenticeships, while the surge in completions ensures that this interest translates into tangible outcomes – skilled employees ready to contribute to their industries.

By focusing on both starts and completions, organisations can make the most of what apprenticeships offer: skilled employees, lower training costs, and a more sustainable workforce. Trade associations, SMEs, and larger businesses all have an opportunity to collaborate, promote, and enhance apprenticeship programmes to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.