News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) warmly welcomed the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) recently published performance information that revealed the ongoing success of apprenticeships in Cumbria.

The National Achievement Rates Tables for 2018 to 2019 confirmed that:

• 71% of all Cumbrian apprentices achieve their apprenticeship programme – the second highest in the country;
• Nearly 80% of young people (16-18-year olds) achieve – the highest rate for this age group in the country;
• 74% of 19-24 year-olds achieve – the second highest in the country;
• Achievement of Advanced Apprentices (level 3) is at 76% - the highest in the country;
• Achievement for young people in Advanced Apprenticeships is over 85% - the highest in the country;

Mike Smith OBE, CLEP Board Member and Chair of its People, Employment and Skills Strategy Group, said: “The apprenticeship programme in Cumbria is essential in helping employers to secure a high quality workforce and to help apprentices to secure the career they aspire to.

“Young people who commence their career with an apprenticeship receive innovative, high quality support, which means that they are better able to secure the skills that their employers need here in Cumbria.

“This in turn supports the development of the skills needed for the key sectors in our economy, such as advanced manufacturing, visitor economy, health and social care, construction, professional services and the creative and cultural industries.”

CLEP Head of Skills Craig Ivison said: “CLEP welcomes the continued success of the apprenticeship programme in Cumbria and encourages employers to continue to support the programme at this critical time as they look to address the challenges posed by Covid-19. A high skilled workforce will be critical to support economic recovery post-COVID19.

“Over 10,000 people are currently on apprenticeships in Cumbria. Twice as many 16 to 18-year-olds take up apprenticeships in Cumbria compared to the national average, with progress onto Higher and Degree level apprenticeships at age 18 also twice as high as the national figure. 

“Apprenticeships can help our talented young people succeed in their careers, matching real job opportunities to their aspirations.”

Full details of the DfE National Achievement Rates Tables 2018 to 2019 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-achievement-rates-tables-2018-to-2019