AELP welcomes continued rise in apprenticeship achievement rates

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers has welcomed the latest apprenticeship achievement rate (QAR) data for 2024/25, describing the results as a tribute to the sustained and concerted efforts of learners, providers and employers across the country.

The QAR has increased to 65.4%, a rise of 4.9 percentage points from 60.5% in 2023/24, and up from 54.6% in 2022/23. This marks a significant step change over recent years, with achievement rates improving by more than 13 percentage points since 2020/21, when they stood at 51.8%. Achievement volumes for standards are also up by 11.3% at 198,330, the highest number since 2017/18, and up from 178,220 last year.

The results mark a sustained improvement in outcomes across the sector and bring achievement rates close to the ‘stretch ambition’ set at the AELP National Conference in 2022.

AELP said the results are a testament to the sustained efforts of learners, providers and employers, and reflect a system that continues to improve outcomes despite a period of significant reform.

Ben Rowland, Chief Executive of AELP, said:

“This is a genuinely strong set of results and a clear sign of sustained effort from learners and providers across the country. Seeing achievement rates rise again to 65.4% is no small feat and reflects the focus, resilience and professionalism of the sector over a number of years.
"What makes this particularly striking is how close we now are to the ‘stretch ambition’ set by the then Skills Minister at AELP National Conference in 2022. At the time, that felt out of reach. This progress should give real confidence that, even in a period of significant change, the system can continue to improve outcomes.
"The priority now is to build on this momentum. Continued stability, fair funding and a supportive policy environment will be critical to ensuring providers can keep delivering for learners and employers, and push achievement rates even higher in the years ahead.”

The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is a national membership body, proudly representing organisations operating in the skills sector. AELP members deliver a range of training and vocational learning – including the majority of apprenticeships as well as Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 Study Programme, Adult Education Budget and more.

For further information or interviews please contact Matt Strong, Communications Manager, AELP, on 07920 161685 or [email protected]