The Department for the Economy has today published a statistical report on Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) activity in Further Education (FE).
This official statistics release presents a range of analysis on the Higher Level Apprenticeships delivered in Northern Ireland FE colleges and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), covering provision across the academic years 2017/18 to 2022/23. The statistics presented in this report cover the characteristics of the participants enroled on HLA courses and analysis of performance in terms of achievements.
The academic year 2022/23 shows:
- 845 starts on an HLA programme. This was an increase of 235 (39%) from 2021/22.
- Approximately three in ten starts were female; 270 females compared to 580 males. A trend has emerged showing more males are entering HLA programmes than females.
- In total there were 1,530 participants on HLA programmes; this included 845 starts, 475 in year 2 and 205 in year 3.
- The most popular sector subject area was Engineering and manufacturing technologies accounting for 36% of all HLA participants.
- The overall success rate for final year HLA students was 91% (390 participants).
This full statistical bulletin and other information is available to download from the DfE HLA page.
Notes to editors:
1. The statistics presented in this bulletin are based on data derived from two sources:
- The FE colleges submit an electronic data return from the FE Learner Management system called the Consolidated Data return (CDR) to the Department.
- College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Administration System.
2. An academic year period is defined by each provider and can potentially differ; an academic year traditionally starts in September and finishes in July the following year.
3. Further notes and details are available in the report on the Department’s Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland at FE colleges and CAFRE page.
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5. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
7. General information on the Higher Level Apprenticeships in Further Education publication can be obtained from Seana McIlwaine, DfE Analytical Services by email at Seana.Mcilwaine@economy-ni.gov.uk or by telephone on 028 90 257708.