Learning Unlimited has seen a record increase in the number of apprenticeship applications this spring.
And this month the apprenticeship specialist provider has been asked by regional and local employers to recruit on their behalf for more than 150 apprenticeship places – an increase of 40% on exactly the same time last year.
Learning Unlimited’s Operations Manager, Leah Shortt said: “At this time of year we normally begin to receive more enquiries from people potentially considering an apprenticeship as they prepare to finish school. This spring though we’ve also seen a rise in opportunities too as the employers we work with are planning to take on a new influx of apprentices over the summer.
“The figures show that the demand for apprenticeships keeps growing. More and more young people are interested in following that route rather than going on to university and more employers are also recognising the benefits of taking on an apprentice. They see it as a way of recruiting the new talent they need while shaping their workforce.”
The number of apprenticeships available has increased the most in business related roles. There is also demand for apprentices across other sectors ranging from engineering to IT and social media. Apprenticeship opportunities range from electricians, engineers, hairdressers, nursery assistants and social care assistants, to chef and automotive body technicians.
The team already has over 115 people booked in for registration and interview this month and will be holding an Advice Evening at Chesterfield College on Tuesday (16 April) between 5.30pm and 7.30pm for anyone interested in finding out more about apprenticeships. It will give potential apprentices the chance to talk about the opportunities available locally and regionally. It also gives people the chance to get advice about entry requirements and meet the team who will support them through their apprenticeship application.
Learning Unlimited will be joined at the Advice Evening by employer, Heathcotes Group; an organisation which works nationally to provide specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and challenging behaviours. During the evening people will get the chance to talk face-to-face with the employer, who has recruited almost 600 apprentices over the past five years and is an Apprenticeship Ambassador for Chesterfield.
Learning Unlimited, which is part of the Chesterfield College group, currently provides apprenticeships and learning programmes to more than 3,000 apprentices nationally.