New apprenticeship starts in Norfolk increase by a staggering 11%

New apprenticeship starts with Norfolk businesses and organisations soared by 11% in the first three months of the academic year 2024/25 - against a national increase of less than 1.5%.

The growth between 1 August to 31 October 2024 compared with the same period in 2023/24 equates to 2,025 new starts in the county. That is 199 more than the previous year and the highest volume in the same period for more than five years. 

Apprenticeships Norfolk says starts have grown across the 16-18, 19-24 and 25+ age groups - by 7.4%, 9.6% and 14.6% respectively. These are fantastic results for younger apprentices because it's also the strongest set of Q1 starts for those aged 16-18 for over five years.

Department for Education (DfE) stats also show local businesses have been recruiting, with the number of 'newly recruited' apprentices (up to 3 months in employment at the start of their apprenticeship) rising by 10.4% compared to the previous year, and in real numbers this accounts for 94 more starts.

Analysis of the size of employers shows non-levy funded apprenticeships (i.e. those started by small to medium sized businesses) grew by 10.3% (69 more apprentice starts) compared with the same period in 2023/24. Larger businesses have also been starting more apprenticeships, with 11.2% growth or 130 more apprentices.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, cabinet member for economic growth at Norfolk County Council said: "It is wonderful to hear how Norfolk is leading the way in new apprenticeship starts and the perfect way to mark National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships play a vital role in the resilience and growth of our economy, delivering the skills we need in key sectors, helping businesses to recruit, and opening up promising career paths for young people, and these latest figures show that the commitment from employers, interest from apprentices and efforts from provider and services such as Apprenticeships Norfolk is really paying off."

Apprenticeships Norfolk continued the celebrations on Wednesday 12 February when its annual awards recognised the exceptional achievements of apprentices, managers and mentors, and businesses. 

Among the winners this year was teaching assistant Rhys Davies who received the City & Guilds-sponsored Impact Award for his work at Mile Cross Primary School in Norwich. He was 17 years old and had just two weeks' work experience under his belt when he began his apprenticeship in the area in which he grew up. 

Judges said Rhys was "driven by a passion to provide all children with equal opportunities, regardless of their circumstances", and gave up his own time in the summer and Christmas holidays to help run clubs for the children.

"Living and working in an area of Norwich that is affected by county lines, gangs, and negative influences, our winner's nominee spoke of how inspiring it was seeing a young male working in the local school, making children smile, and helping them to see education with a positive perspective."

The Contribution to Green Apprenticeships in Norfolk award, sponsored by Norfolk Climate Change Partnership, was awarded to Victoria Kruger. A Sustainability Business Specialist at Flagship Group, she had brought in new skills, ideas and change, "positioning not only herself but her organisation as a leader in the green economy".

Victoria's holistic application of her learnings in the workplace and beyond was highlighted by a "rich portfolio of projects and activities", said the judges. 

"Not only is our finalist empowering colleagues and members of the community to adopt and foster a culture of sustainability, she is also championing green apprenticeships with plans to onboard a young Sustainability Apprentice too. A true sustainability champion and advocate for lifelong learning!" 

Images credit: David Miko