Apprenticeships and Work Based Learners – Enrolments (Updated In-Year)

Apprentices

Apprenticeship programmes continue to be a priority for the college in areas of high employer demand. At this point in time apprenticeships starts are slightly behind compared to this time last year, however we expect our year-end position to be broadly in line with the previous year.

Apprenticeships and Work Based Learners – Enrolments (2024-25 Year-End)

Engagement and Participation Rates

Apprentice engagement and trend analysis

There has been a decline in participation levels for apprentices at Level 2 and Level 3. This has been seen nationally, as increases in higher level enrolments have masked national figures. The actual participation at Dudley College for 16-18 apprentices was 772 in 2024/25 and the number of 19+ apprentices was 1,044, giving 1,816 apprentices in total. The decline in college numbers is also reflective of the strategic direction to move away from subcontracted provision.

Apprentice Provision

The heat map shows the home location of all apprentices. Most apprentices are following a day or block release programme and are based locally in the West Midlands Region. Some of our specialist apprentice standards, such as Geospatial Engineering and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, engage a wider national employer base. The adult apprenticeships are also generally based locally however there are pockets of focussed activity in other regions due to specific initiatives with key partner employers, including national NHS trusts.