Following the recent publication of 2024/25 Q1 apprenticeship data, we’re pleased to share that the HERA apprenticeship data insight platform, exclusively available to UVAC members, has been updated to include the latest figures. These updates reinforce HERA’s role in delivering invaluable insights into higher and degree apprenticeships across England, enabling you to make informed decisions about your apprenticeship provision and the wider market.
To help you get started, we’ve also summarized some of the key highlights from the latest data.
Higher & Degree Apprenticeship Market Overview
- UVAC members have increased their market share of Degree Apprenticeship starts from 74% in Q1 2023/24 to 77% in Q1 2024/25.
- However, Degree Apprenticeship starts overall have declined across all providers by 14%, with UVAC member institutions experiencing an 11% decline.
- While Level 4 apprenticeships have seen modest growth, UVAC members have recorded declines in starts at Levels 5, 6, and 7.
- Level 4 apprenticeships still only make up 4% of all starts at UVAC member institutions.
Top 5 Apprenticeships (All Providers) – Q1 2024/25
- Accountancy or Taxation Professional (Level 7) – 4,262 starts
- Operations Manager (Level 5) – 3,263 starts
- Senior Leader (Level 7) – 2,586 starts
- Data Analyst (Level 4) – 2,165 starts
- Teacher (Level 6) – 1,530 starts
- Over 50% of all Senior Leader (Level 7) apprenticeship starts in Q1 were at UVAC member institutions.
- UVAC members also accounted for 25% of Teacher (Level 6) apprenticeship starts.
- However, UVAC members have minimal presence within the three other most popular standards.
Top 5 Apprenticeships (UVAC Members) – Q1 2024/25
- Senior Leader (Level 7) – 1,428 starts
- Nursing Associate (NMC 2018) (Level 5) – 1,228 starts
- Chartered Manager (Degree) (Level 6) – 1,132 starts
- Chartered Surveyor (Degree) (Level 6) – 1,102 starts
- Registered Nurse Degree (NMC 2018) (Level 6) – 1,034 starts
UVAC members dominate provision within these standards, attracting between 55% and 90% of all national starts in Q1 2024/25.
Shifts in Learner Demographics
Apprentices aged 25 and over continue to represent a significant and growing share of starts, increasing from 60% (Q1 2023/24) to 62% (Q1 2024/25).
New Apprenticeship Standards in 2024/25
The most popular newly introduced apprenticeships in 2024/25 include:
- Dispensing Optician (Level 6)
- Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner (Level 7)
- Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Level 7)
Biggest Growth & Decline
Comparing the full year apprenticeship data for 2023/24 to 2022/23, the fastest growth and decline in starts at Levels 4 and above includes:
Fastest Growing Apprenticeships
- Data Analyst (Level 4)
- Children, Young People and Families Practitioner (Level 4)
- Senior Leader (Level 7)
Biggest Decline
- Police Constable Integrated Degree (Level 6) – Starts fell by 2,181 (-48%)
Interested in Deeper and Local Insights?
If you’re looking for more localized analysis of the higher and degree apprenticeship market in your area, with greater insight into local competition and the links between participation and skills needs, you may be interested in Insight U.
For more information click on the link below. Alternatively, feel free to Get In Touch to arrange a demonstration or discuss how Insight U can support your institution