APPRENTICESHIP vacancies available in Essex increased by more than one third in the final quarter of 2013, it has been revealed.

Demand is still outpacing supply, with applications for apprenticeships in the county rising by about 50 per cent.

There are an average 16 applications for every apprenticeship vacancy.

Now the Government is urging employers to create more apprenticeship schemes to keep pace with the number of young people who want to follow this route into work.

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock said: “These figures show that apprenticeships are growing in appeal to young people. They also indicate that an increasing number of young women are seeking these schemes.

“There is widespread recognition of the opportunity offered by apprenticeships. They provide the chance for trainees to earn while they learn and to gain a recognised qualification while notching up vital work experience.”

The latest edition of the quarterly Apprenticeship Index reveals a 38 per cent increase in apprenticeship vacancies posted online in Essex. There were 1,349 vacancies were advertised for the final 2013 period, compared to 978 in 2012.

Mr Hancock also drew attention to the way apprenticeships often provide the opening to top-level jobs.

He said: “New independent research reveals that one in five employers have former apprentices working in board-level positions.”