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The lure of sidestepping university debt and earning while making their way in the world is proving increasingly popular. And businesses are flocking to provide more apprenticeships this year.

In-Comm Training has seen an increase in companies working with it to offer vocational learning. It currently has 201 vacancies, the most at any time in its 40-year history.

The West Midlands-based In-Comm delivers more than 450 apprenticeships a year, mainly for engineering and manufacturing, Black Country backbone industries that have blossomed since we left the EU.

Managing director Gareth Jones said: “I don’t think we’ve ever seen such an appetite to invest in apprenticeships with nearly 80 different companies across 20 sectors working with us to find their workforce of the future.

“This is great news on one hand, as it means we have over 200 immediate vacancies across 20 different apprentice pathways, including in-product design, mechatronics, toolmaking and logistics. We have already filled 300-plus positions – yet the industry is desperate for more talent in order to grow sustainably.”

Some students leave university saddled with up to £100,000 debt. Apprenticeships offer the chance to gain qualifications while learning on the job with skilled old hands.

Analysis shows 67 per cent of firms took on a rookie employee during the past 12 months with most keeping them on despite Covid.

Two-thirds are committed to hiring more in the next year, up from 47 per cent in 2021. In-Comm’s annual barometer of businesses reveals two-thirds said a desire to develop future talent was the main reason for investing in apprenticeships. Plugging a skills gap and maintaining enough qualified workers were also priorities.

Soaring inflation was cited as a big barrier to attracting and retaining staff, with 70 per cent worried about the effect losing experienced employees would have on customers. In-Comm has now started a careers hotline for youngsters.

Mr Jones said: “Worryingly, we have started to see the pipeline of candidates dry up. We’re putting this down to young people looking to take the simple route after Covid and a lack of informed advice on the different options.

“Hundreds of young people are missing out on the chance to get world-class technical training and hands-on work experience that guarantees jobs and rewarding careers.”

The In-Comm hotline is 01922 457686.

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