Ealing has seen a 50 per cent rise in apprenticeship vacancies posted online on between August and October 2014 compared to the same period the previous year.

Nationally, the data released today also reveals a 28 per cent increase across the country during the same period, with 46,920 vacancies advertised over the three months versus 36,690 in 2013/14.

This is in addition to thousands more opportunities offered by employers to young people directly. 

The greatest number of online vacancies was for Business, Administration and Law apprenticeships (18,940), whilst Health, Public Services and Care apprenticeships saw the biggest rise in vacancies year-on-year, with an increase of 50 per cent. 

There were also noticeable rises in the number of apprenticeship vacancies within the vital STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields. 

Apprenticeship vacancies advertised online in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies and Information and Communication Technology both recorded a 23 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s drive to equip people with the skills employers want and need.  We want it to become the new norm for people to choose between an apprenticeship or University as equally prestigious routes to a great career. That is why it’s so encouraging to see even more excellent apprenticeship opportunities available across the country.”

The data also shows that higher apprenticeships, which offer a way to enter professional careers by gaining valuable work experience whilst achieving a degree-level qualification, are on the rise and have almost doubled in the past year. More than 450  higher apprenticeship vacancies were advertised online in the first three months of the 2014/15 academic year.

The annual celebration of apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week 2015 takes place from 9-13 March 2015. Go to  www.gov.uk/naw2015   to find out how to get involved. Or tofind out more about apprenticeships visit greatbusiness.gov.uk/apprenticeships if you’re an employer,  apprenticeships.gov.uk  if you want to find out about becoming an apprentice or call 08000 150 600. Businesses can also access all the support and advice they need at  greatbusiness.gov.uk