The number of people starting apprenticeships for the 2010/11 academic year was up 50 per cent from the figures for the 2009/10 year.
According to the Statistical First Release, people from all age ranges took advantage of apprentice schemes to help further their careers.
Of the 442,700 apprenticeships in the last academic year the most popular sectors were business, administration and law.
Most apprenticeships were started by those of the age of 25 or over with 175,500 people who fit into that category utilising the scheme.
Apprenticeships are a way in which people can learn practical skills in a workplace and still earn a salary at the same time and also achieve qualifications too.
Vince Cable, the business secretary, said: “This government’s unprecedented investment in apprenticeships is working for businesses and creating long term career opportunities for record numbers of trainees.”
