Harlow has Highest Proportion of Apprenticeship Starts

Harlow College's assistant principal is proud that a higher proportion of young people are starting apprenticeships in the town than anywhere else in Essex.

Our Harlow District Profile, forming part of our Skills Evidence Base, outlines that in 2015/16, 820 people started a course, up from 720 the year before, which is one of the largest increases in the country.

Ann King, assistant principal of the Velizy Avenue college, said: "Demand for apprenticeships is strong and we continue to recruit apprentices providing local people with an excellent career opportunity.

"Many young people are also seeing apprenticeships as a real alternative to university, as they get a chance to earn and learn at the same time."

With Harlow College recently opening their £11million Harlow Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre and announcing their specialised STEM College with Stansted Airport, it is likely that the town will see even further increases in Apprenticeship starts. Ahead of Public Health England opening a science campus in the town, Harlow College is keen to expand in developing STEM subjects and many other districts will be following suit thanks to the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy.

Robert Halfon, town MP, has also supported development of apprenticeships and Ms King added: "Harlow College is committed to delivering high quality apprenticeships.

"We have made a significant investment to grow provision in line with Government targets."

Source: Essex Live