A new report has revealed the best and worst places in the UK for apprenticeship opportunities, highlighting significant disparities in pay and availability across different cities. The report, compiled by Best Apprenticeships, a leading resource for apprenticeship information, examined nearly 30,000 roles across England to provide insights into where young people can find the best paid and most abundant apprenticeship positions.
Best and Worst Locations
Outside of London, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, Nottingham, and Sheffield have been ranked as the top cities for apprenticeships with wages above the national minimum wage, currently set at £6.40 per hour for apprentices. These cities were found to offer the best opportunities for young people looking to earn while they learn.
In terms of even better pay—above the real Living Wage of £12 per hour—Manchester, Bristol, Oxford, and Birmingham came out on top, making these cities some of the most attractive locations for apprenticeships in the UK. Newcastle and Nottingham also featured in the top ten for well-paid apprenticeship opportunities.
However, the picture is less positive for other parts of the country. Apprenticeships in Halifax, Blackpool, Sutton in London, and Hereford were found to offer the lowest wages, often at or below the minimum wage. Blackpool and Sutton ranked particularly poorly, not only for low pay but also for the limited number of apprenticeship opportunities available. These areas are providing fewer chances for young people to secure meaningful, well-paid apprenticeship roles.
Industry Breakdown
The report also identified which industries offer the most apprenticeship opportunities per capita. Engineering and manufacturing, business administration, and education and early years were the top sectors in terms of overall roles. These industries also provided the highest number of opportunities paying above the minimum wage.
When it comes to apprenticeships offering salaries above the real Living Wage, business administration, legal finance and accounting, and construction and the built environment lead the way. These sectors appear to be where young people can expect to find the most financially rewarding apprenticeships.
Room for Improvement
Despite the positive outlook in some cities and sectors, the report revealed that there is still significant room for improvement in apprenticeship pay across the country. Only 3.6% of all apprenticeships in England offer salaries above the real Living Wage, as defined by the Living Wage Foundation. However, the report did note that more than 60% of apprenticeship roles offer starting wages above the minimum wage, signalling some progress.
Best Apprenticeships, which compiled the report using data from the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship Service over the summer of 2024, has been helping young people navigate the complex world of apprenticeships since its founding in 2017. The organisation provides guidance on the four levels of apprenticeship schemes, from intermediate and advanced to degree apprenticeships, enabling candidates to gain qualifications while avoiding the debt often associated with university.
With apprenticeship opportunities continuing to evolve, the report’s findings shed light on the ongoing postcode lottery for young people seeking apprenticeships across the UK. While some cities offer great prospects, others lag behind, both in terms of pay and availability.
