The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) found a 4.2% increase, up to 10,940 starters, in 2012/13 in their yearly benchmarking report. Apprenticeship start figures have been falling since 2009/10 in the face of economic recession, with a 14.8% decrease recorded in 2011/12 according to figures from the Skill Funding Agency.

The biggest improvement in apprenticeship starts came in vehicle sales, with an increase in uptake of 233.3%. Meanwhile, Vehicle Parts, Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, and Vehicle Body and Paint also showed slight increases.

The findings come ahead of proposed changes to the model of apprenticeship programmes, coming in England from 2017 which the IMI believes will make it more difficult for smaller businesses to take on new apprentices. The government’s proposed changes would see the administration duties of apprenticeship registration shift from the training provider to the employer, along with an added financial contribution. Read full article…