The Recruitment & Employment Confederation has welcomed figures showing that 130,000 new apprenticeships have been created in the past year. 

The figure exceeds the Government’s target of creating 50,000 apprenticeships for 2011, and brings the total number of apprentices in the UK up to 257,000. 

Although it described the news as “encouraging”, the REC warned that employers need to do more to combat high drop out rates, with one in four apprentices quitting their programme before completion. 

Gillian Econopouly, Head of Public Policy at the REC commented: “It is encouraging to see that the number of Apprentices in the UK has increased, however still more must be done to promote the benefits of taking on an apprentice, given the high levels of youth unemployment. 

The other big challenge is to ensure that those who start an apprenticeship finish it, and secure longer-term employment once they have built up the skills for their future careers. The recruitment industry must also play its part by developing apprenticeships within the sector, and utilising its employment expertise to match the right candidate to the right job for the right employer.” 

She added: “In order to promote this issue, the REC will be arranging an Apprenticeships roundtable that brings together key decision makers, industry leaders and apprentices.” 

Posted by Beth O’Shea

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