APPRENTICESHIP vacancies increased by a quarter last year, with a large rise in the number of applications from women, a report has revealed.

The National Apprenticeship Service says more than 37,400 vacancies were advertised in the three months to October, which was 7,000 more than the previous year.

Applications from women lifted by 55 per cent.

In the North-East, the highest numbers of applications and vacancies were in the business, administration and law sector, with 12,430 applications made for 830 apprenticeships.

Matthew Hancock, skills minister, said: “These figures show apprenticeships are growing in appeal to young people.

“It is also encouraging that yet more young women are seeking out this unique opportunity to earn as they learn and gain a recognised qualification while notching up vital work experience.”

The report said there were 27 applications for every vacancy in education, 26 in the arts and media and 20 in computing.