Apprenticeship Statistics 2026

Last Updated: Oct 2026

In England, 308,770 apprenticeships started between August 2025 and April 2026 – 8.7% more than the same period a year earlier. Achievements reached 198,330 in 2024/25, the highest since 2018/19, and the national achievement rate rose to 65.4%. But the headline numbers only tell part of the story. Who is starting, at what level, in which regions and subjects, and how many go on to finish their qualification all shape what value apprenticeships can provide for your own business.

In engineering and manufacturing, one critical question remains – are apprenticeships helping to close the skills gap?

We have collated 38 of the latest apprenticeship statistics for England, including participation, outcomes, demographics and engineering trends, to show where apprenticeships are helping employers build skills, and where the challenges remain.

Key apprenticeship statistics at a glance

• 8.7% rise in apprenticeship starts between August 2025 and April 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier. Source: Department for Education (DfE), 2025/26 provisional data
• 198,330 apprenticeship achievements in 2024/25, the highest since 2018/19. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• 65.4% national achievement rate in 2024/25, up from 54.6% in 2022/23. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• 80.4% achievement rate at MTC Training in 2025/26.
• 52.4% of starts between August 2025 and April 2026 were aged 25 or over. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• 13.6% rise in higher apprenticeship starts between August 2025 and April 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• 94% of apprentices who achieve go on into work or further training. Source: Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, 2025
• Engineering and manufacturing is one of the five most popular occupational routes, with 9.0% of starts in 2024/25. Source: DfE, 2024/25

Apprenticeship starts and trends over time

Apprenticeship starts in England are rising, with 308,770 starts between August 2025 and April 2026 – up 8.7% on the same period a year earlier.

• Starts have risen and demand for apprenticeships isn't slowing. Between August 2025 and April 2026, 308,770 apprenticeships began in England. That is 8.7% more than the same period in the previous year. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Apprenticeship participation sits firmly above its 2020/21 low. Participation stood at 761,500 in 2024/25. That is 3.4% up on the previous year and 6.8% above 2020/21. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• More employers are using apprenticeships to build new capability. In 2024/25, 43.8% of starts (where length of employment was known) were established staff, compared with 40.5% who were new joiners of up to three months. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Starts among established employees (12+ months’ service) have grown while starts among new employees (up to 3 months’ service) have fallen. The number of established staff starting apprenticeships rose from 134,650 in 2023/24 to 153,720 in 2024/25. The number of new joiners fell from 146,900 in 2023/24 to 141,920 in 2024/25. Source: DfE, 2024/25

Taken together, these figures show an apprenticeship system that is growing and changing shape. Importantly, they prove that apprenticeships are not just for new recruits – more businesses are using apprenticeships to build skills in the teams they already have.

Apprenticeship statistics by age and gender

Adults aged 25 and over now make up more than half (52.4%) of apprenticeship starts, and women account for 52.5% of all starts but fewer than one in five STEM starts.

• Adults aged 25+ now account for more than half of all starts. Under-19s made up 20.6% of starts (63,530) between August 2025 and April 2026. The 19–24 group made up 27.1% (83,570), and those aged 25+ made up 52.4% (161,670). Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Adults aged 25+ are also the fastest-growing group. Comparing data from August 2025 - April 2026 to the same period last year, starts of those aged 25+ rose 17.5% (from 137,570) and starts of those aged 19–24 rose 5.1% (from 79,490). According to the Department for Education, growth in higher level apprenticeships explains much of the change. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Apprenticeships are increasingly popular with women. Women accounted for 52.5% of starts in 2024/25, and their share has risen every year since 2021/22. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Women now make up just under one in five STEM starts. Women made up 19.5% (17,790) of STEM starts between August 2025 and April 2026, compared with 17.2% (14,500) at the same point last year. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Women are better represented at MTC Training than the national average. In 2025/26, 13.0% of our apprentices were women, compared with a national average of 10%.

It’s clear from the results how apprenticeships are no longer just for school leavers, as adults aged 25+ now make up over half of starts. For employers, that widens the pool of people to recruit and develop. For learners, it highlights how apprenticeships are a valuable route for those looking to change or grow their careers without leaving paid employment.

In terms of gender, female apprenticeship statistics show the picture here is more mixed. Women make up the majority of apprenticeship starts overall, but only around one in five of these are in STEM. The share of STEM subjects is rising, yet there is still room for these industries to grow.

Apprenticeship statistics by level

Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships remain the most common, but higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and above) are growing fastest, and achievement rates have risen at every level.

• Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships remain the most common level. In 2024/25, apprenticeship participation was 132,900 for Intermediate (Level 2), 330,100 for Advanced (Level 3), and 303,700 for Higher (Level 4 and above). Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Every higher level apprenticeship recorded more starts than a year ago, with Level 5 growing fastest. Between August 2025 and April 2026, Level 4 recorded 41,430 starts (up 15.7%), Level 5 recorded 31,290 (up 20.6%), Level 6 recorded 25,140 (up 4.9%) and Level 7 recorded 28,800 (up 11.6%). Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Achievement rates rose at every level between 2022/23 and 2024/25. Advanced went from 55.3% to 66.4%, higher from 54.0% to 64.9%, and intermediate from 54.1% to 64.0%. Source: DfE, 2024/25

The figures highlight that higher-level apprenticeships are growing fastest, but that Level 3 remains the most common and the best performer, with the strongest participation and achievement figures. Looking across the board, achievement rates have improved at every level – importantly, more apprentices are getting the qualification they set out to earn.

Apprenticeship statistics by region

The South East had the most apprenticeship starts in England in 2024/25 (55,260), but adjusted for population size, the South West has the highest start rate and London the lowest.

• Most regions recorded more starts in 2024/25 than in 2023/24. The exceptions were the North East, which dipped slightly (down 0.7%) and those outside England or unknown (down 1.3%). The East of England saw the biggest rise at 7.2%. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• The South East and North West are leading the way. The South East has the highest number of total starts (55,260), followed by the North West (50,580) and London (40,380). For total achievements, the top three regions are South East (30,910), North West (28,480) and Yorkshire and the Humber (22,560). Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Population size changes the picture. Adjusted for population size, London has the lowest rates of starts, participation and achievement. The South West has the highest start rate, followed closely by the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. The North East has the most achievements relative to its population. Source: DfE, 2024/25

In England, the apprenticeship statistics show that growth is widespread but uneven. Most regions recorded more starts in 2024/25 than the year before, but accounting for population sizes changes the picture. Relative to its population, the South West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions have the highest start rates, while London, despite its size, has the lowest.

With centres in Coventry, Oxford, Liverpool and Tyneside, MTC Training supports apprentices and employers in the West Midlands, South East, North West and North East.

Apprenticeship completion and achievement rates

The national apprenticeship achievement rate was 65.4% in 2024/25, up from 54.6% in 2022/23, and 198,330 apprenticeships were achieved – the highest number since 2018/19.

• Achievements are rising sharply, with more apprentices finishing what they start. The national achievement rate has climbed from 54.6% in 2022/23 to 60.5% in 2023/24 and 65.4% in 2024/25. Source: DfE, 2024/25

• Achievements are at their highest since 2018/19. Achievements reached 198,330 in 2024/25. That is 11.3% up on 178,220 in 2023/24, and the third successive annual rise. In 2018/19, achievements were 185,100. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Year-to-date figures suggest the trend is continuing. Between August 2025 and April 2026, achievements rose 14.0% to 146,210, compared with 128,290 a year earlier. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Advanced level achievements are still rising, while intermediate level achievements have stayed broadly the same. Advanced achievements across the August to April window each year were 47,920 (2022/23), 51,650 (2023/24), 56,870 (2024/25) and 64,700 (2025/26). Intermediate achievements were 28,570, 30,190, 27,760 and 28,690. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Roughly one in three leavers still don't complete, indicating the need for better support and retention. The retention rate was 66.7% in 2024/25, which means about a third of the apprenticeships that ended that year were not completed. Source: DfE, 2024/25

More apprentices are reaching the finish line, and the momentum is continuing. But roughly one in three apprenticeships that end still aren't completed. That is where a provider makes the biggest difference. At MTC Training, our 80.4% achievement rate, compared to 65.4% nationally, reflects our commitment to supporting learners throughout their programme. With high quality and relevant training, mentoring, and guidance, we help keep our apprentices on track and ready to succeed.

Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship statistics

Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship achievement rates (66.6% in 2024/25) are above the national average, but starts (45,120) remain below pre-pandemic levels.

• STEM's share of starts is holding steady. STEM subjects accounted for 27.8% of starts in 2024/25, a marginal dip from 27.9% the year before. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Digital technology is the standout growth area, which matters for any employer investing in automation, robotics and digital manufacturing. Digital technology starts rose 6.9% in 2023/24 and 10.9% in 2024/25, making up 7.7% of all starts. In 2022/23 it was the only major subject area to see a noticeable increase. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Engineering and manufacturing achievements are close to their pre-pandemic levels, even though starts are not. Engineering and manufacturing achievements were 26,060 in 2019/20 and 25,850 in 2024/25. Starts were 50,700 in 2019/20 and 45,120 in 2024/25. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Engineering and manufacturing achievement rates continue to increase, and are above the overall apprenticeship achievement rate. The achievement rate in engineering and manufacturing rose from 58.9% (2022/23) to 62.8% (2023/24) and then 66.6% (2024/25), ahead of the 65.4% overall figure for 2024/25. Source: DfE, 2024/25
• Engineering and manufacturing is one of the five most popular occupational routes. Business and administration was the most popular route in 2024/25, with just over a fifth (20.2%) of starts. The next four routes ranged from 10.3% (education and early years) to 9.0% (engineering and manufacturing). Source: DfE, 2024/25. Please note routes and subject areas are separate DfE classifications, so this figure doesn't match the starts figure above.

Despite 76% of engineering employers struggling to recruit for key roles (Source: IET 2025), the latest engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship statistics show that starts are still below pre-pandemic levels. And with digital technology apprenticeships growing fast, the subject mix may be shifting.

Positively, more people are finishing their apprenticeships within the engineering and manufacturing sector, with the sector's achievement rate ahead of the national average. The industry’s challenge is growing the talent pipeline and keeping skills development current – something which MTC Training, as part of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), is well placed to keep pace with. We work closely with industry, and our apprentices are exposed to the new and emerging technologies being developed within the MTC.

Employer participation and apprenticeship funding statistics

Levy funding supported 67.3% of apprenticeship starts between August 2025 and April 2026, but only around one in five employers (19%) offer apprenticeships.

• Levy funding supports around two thirds of all starts. Levy-funded starts accounted for 67.3% (207,900) of starts between August 2025 and April 2026. Source: DfE, 2025/26 provisional data
• Spending on apprenticeships was above budget in 2024/25. The budget was originally £2.658 billion and was revised to £2.729 billion, but spending reached £2.781 billion. That is 4.6% above the original figure and 2% above the revised one. No apprenticeship funding was returned to the Treasury in 2024/25, whereas almost £2.2 billion was returned between 2017/18 and 2023/24. According to DfE, higher spending was caused by more starts and achievements, and increases to some funding bands. Source: FE Week, 2025
• Around one in five employers (19%) offered apprenticeships when surveyed. That included 11% with apprentices in place and a further 8% who offered them without any currently. Source: DfE Employer Skills Survey 2024
• Larger employers are far more likely to offer apprenticeships than smaller ones. Two thirds (66%) of employers with 100 or more staff offered apprenticeships, compared with 9% of those with two to four staff. Source: DfE Employer Skills Survey 2024
• Conversely, at MTC Training, half (50%) of the employers we work with are small and medium-sized businesses.

Apprenticeships depend on employers, and the figures show where participation is strongest and weakest. Levy funding supported around two thirds of starts, and larger employers are far more likely to offer apprenticeships than smaller ones. For smaller manufacturers, understanding what's available, and having a training partner to guide them, can make the difference. At MTC Training, we are working to narrow that participation gap. We partner with employers of all sizes, offering support from identifying the right candidate through to funding. Eligible SMEs can also access our SME Apprentice Support Service in partnership with Lloyds.

Apprenticeship employment outcomes

94% of apprentices who achieve go on to work or further training, and 59% of employers keep more than half of their apprentices once they complete.

• Almost all apprenticeship achievements lead to work or further training. 94% of apprentices who achieve go on to work or further training, and 93% remain in sustained employment. Source: Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, 2025
• Most employers hold on to their apprentices. 59% of employers keep more than half of their apprentices once they complete. Source: IET, 2025
• This is reflected in our data – at MTC Training, most of our apprentices continue working for and progressing with their employer once their programme is finished.
• For the wider economy, the projected returns are substantial. Apprentices on Level 2–5 programmes in 2021/22 are projected to generate £25 billion of economic growth over their lifetimes. Source: Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, 2025

This employment data suggests that, for businesses struggling to fill skilled roles, an apprenticeship is a valuable route for training – as most apprentices continue working for their employer once their course is complete. This is because apprenticeships are a way of developing someone on your own equipment, to your own standards, rather than waiting for a ready-made candidate to appear.

Reviewing all the statistics shared in this blog, it’s clear apprenticeship numbers are heading in the right direction. Starts and achievements are up, more apprentices are completing, and more people are using apprenticeships to move up to higher-level skills.

For engineering and manufacturing, though, are apprenticeships helping to close the skills gap? Partly. Currently the pipeline of new starters has levelled off, but the number of apprenticeships achieved is closer than ever to its pre-pandemic level. Despite that, employers still find it hard to recruit. Closing that gap means growing the number of people who start, supporting more of them to finish, and keeping skills in step with the technology they'll be working with.

Whether you're looking to bring in new apprenticeship talent or upskill the team you already have, find out how MTC Training can help your business. If you’re an aspiring engineer, take a look at the apprenticeships we offer and apply for an engineering apprenticeship with MTC Training today.

Apprenticeship statistics FAQs

How many apprenticeships started in 2025/26?

Between August 2025 and April 2026, 308,770 apprenticeships started in England – 8.7% more than the same period a year earlier.

What is the apprenticeship achievement rate in England?

The national apprenticeship achievement rate was 65.4% in 2024/25, up from 60.5% in 2023/24 and 54.6% in 2022/23. At MTC Training, the achievement rate was 80.4% in 2025/26.

What percentage of apprentices get a job after their apprenticeship?

94% of apprentices who achieve go on to work or further training, and 93% remain in sustained employment.

What is the most common apprenticeship level?

Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships are the most common, with participation of 330,100 in 2024/25. Higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and above) are growing fastest.

How many engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships are there?

There were 45,120 engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship starts and 25,850 achievements in 2024/25. The sector’s achievement rate of 66.6% was above the national average of 65.4%.

Apprenticeship terms glossary

Starts: a count of apprenticeship programmes that begin in an academic year.

Participation: the number of learners aged 16 and over taking part in an apprenticeship. This shows how many apprentices there are in England.

Leavers: apprenticeships that have ended in the reporting year, including some that are treated as having ended because the record wasn't returned correctly.

Completions: the number of apprenticeship programmes completed in England, whether or not the apprentice went on to pass.

Retention rate (also called completion rate): the percentage of leavers who completed their apprenticeship, whether or not they passed.

Pass rate: the percentage of completed apprenticeships that were passed.

Achievements: the number of apprenticeships successfully completed, recorded once the apprentice has passed their end-point assessment.

Achievement rate (also called qualification achievement rate, or QAR): the percentage of leavers who achieved their apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship levels: foundation and intermediate is Level 2 (GCSE equivalent). Advanced is Level 3 (A level). Higher is Levels 4 to 7 (foundation degree and above).

STEM apprenticeships: those in construction, planning and the built environment; digital technology; engineering and manufacturing technologies; and science and mathematics.

Apprenticeship levy: a charge of 0.5% of the annual pay bill on UK employers with a pay bill over £3 million.

Apprenticeship service account: the account employers in England set up to access and manage funding for apprenticeships.

Sources

Department for Education (DfE), Apprenticeships: academic year 2024/25. Published 27 November 2025 (updated 29 January 2026)

Department for Education (DfE), Apprenticeships: academic year 2025/26, provisional data for August 2025 to April 2026. Published 16 July 2026

Department for Education (DfE) and IFF Research, Employer Skills Survey 2024: Full UK research report. Published November 2025

FE Week, DfE raids budgets to cover ‘landmark’ apprenticeships overspend. Published 24 July 2025

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Latest UK engineering and technology skills stats 2025. Published 6 October 2025

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, letter to the apprenticeship sector on achievement rates. Published 27 March 2025