2,750 Buckinghamshire residents started Apprenticeships in 2022/23, a slight increase (1% / 40 learners) from the previous year. Although modest, this increase bucked the national trend, which saw Apprenticeship starts decline by 3% over the same period.
Within the county there was a mixed picture, as Apprenticeship starts increased in the Aylesbury, Buckingham and Chesham & Amersham parliamentary constituency areas, but declined in the Wycombe and Beaconsfield areas.
The age profile of those starting Apprenticeships has changed slightly in recent years, with an increase in the number of younger people (under the age of 19) starting Apprenticeships (up from 18% in 2020/21 to 23% in 2022/23). Conversely, the proportion of Apprenticeships started by those age 19-24 and 25 plus has declined slightly. It is worth remembering, that nearly half of all those starting Apprenticeships are over the age of 25. In 2022/23, the figure being 46%.
In terms of levels, the post-Apprenticeship reform shift from intermediate to higher level Apprenticeship continues. In 2022/23, 38% of Apprenticeship starts were at the higher level (up from 8% in 2016/17) whilst only 19% were at intermediate level (down from 49% in 2016/17).
For further analysis, please see slides 44 and 45 of our Buckinghamshire Labour Market and Skills Analysis 2023
