DfE surpasses apprenticeship target two years in a row

19 Sep 2019 09:30 AM

Public relations, accountancy and cyber security are just some of the apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

New figures published yesterday (18 September) by the Department of Education show that it has surpassed the government’s public sector apprenticeship target for the second year running – meaning even more people are now on the path to a rewarding career in the civil service.

The Department for Education is one of the top apprentice employers across government, recruiting 354 apprentices of all ages since April 2017. The department offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities in exciting areas, like cyber security, digital marketing, project delivery and software development at all levels right up to degree.

In 2017 all public sector bodies with 250 or more staff in England were set a target of employing at least 2.3% of their total staff as new apprentice every year until 2021. The department has exceeded the target for two years in a row – with 116 (2.5%) apprentices starting in 2017/18 and 177 apprentices starting (2.9%) in 2018/19, and is on track to exceed the target again in 2019/20.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

It is fantastic news that we have exceeded our target for two years in a row – making us one of the top recruiters of apprentices across government.

There are some brilliant apprenticeship opportunities within the department as well as across the public sector. Our apprentices are working in a range of exciting roles from cyber security, public relations and accountancy.

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn and kick start a rewarding career in the public sector. So if you are thinking about a your next move take a look at what is on offer and start your apprenticeship journey today.

More apprentices are being recruited by employers across the public sector than ever before – with high-quality apprenticeship opportunities available in the NHS, Police, the Armed Forces and every government department.

Earlier this year, the Department for Education launched a new campaign, ‘Fire it Up’, to raise awareness of the huge variety of apprenticeship options available for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Giulia, started her apprenticeship journey as a PR and Communications apprentice in the Department for Education in October 2018. Here she explains how she knew an apprenticeship was the right choice for her.

To find out more about apprenticeships and how to get involved, visit here