Apprenticeships
Overview
In 2023/24 there were 4,150 CWM apprenticeship starts which was 6% less than the previous year, continuing the downward trend.
The total number of apprenticeship starts in the WMCA was stable at 2,087 starts, which included a 4% increase in under 19 apprenticeship starts, a 3% increase in 24+ apprenticeship starts which balanced out the 11% decrease in starts for those aged 19 to 23.
Start numbers are split roughly equally between WMCA residents and those living outside the patch, indicating relatively higher participation in the wider area.
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Data Narrative
Age
Under 19
- More than half of all CWM apprenticeship starts are in the under 19 age group, where there were 2,133 starts in 2023/24 (-2%).
- Under 19 starts increased by 4% in the WMCA to 1,074.
19-23
- Starts for apprentices in the 19 to 23 age group declined by 13% to 1,084. The drop was slightly less sharp in the WMCA where numbers fell by 11% to 529.
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- Starts for 24+ apprentices in WMCA grew by 3% to 484, but the overall CWM 24+ start numbers dropped 8% to 935.
Level of Apprenticeship
Most of the apprenticeship starts are at level 3 which is where most growth has been seen over the past four years. Overall, higher level apprenticeships are declining in proportion.
The correlation between the age of the apprentice and the level of apprenticeship is evident in across all years and in both broad geographic areas. Younger apprentices are more likely to learn at intermediate level and older apprentices make up the largest proportion of those taking advanced apprenticeships.
Technical Routes
Apprenticeship starts in the WMCA grew in Construction, Engineering and Business and Administration, with the most growth in the Under 19 age category.
Inclusion Trends
Ethnicity
Most learners starting apprenticeships are White, however the proportion of White apprentices is dropping slowly and went from 89% in 2019/20 to 81% in 2023/24. The same trend is observed in all three age groups and there is slightly more diversity across apprentices aged 19+.
Sex
Starts for male apprentices significantly outnumber starts for female apprentices. In 2023/24 almost two thirds of apprentices starting were male.
Disability, Learning Difficulty and Health Problems
The proportion of apprentices who have a disability, learning difficulty or health problem is increasing year-on-year to 18% in 2023/24.
Deprivation Profile
CWM apprentices residing in the areas of greatest deprivation are well represented.
