This research summary provides evidence of the changing nature of apprenticeships over a twenty year period (1996—2016), with a focus on a comparison of trade and non-trade apprentices and trainees. There is particular emphasis on measures which have unlocked flexibility in the system — such as the growth of adult apprentices aged 25 years and over and the increased prevalence of alternative training and pathway models enabling completion of apprentice equivalent qualifications in shortened timeframes.

An accompanying resource - 'The changing nature of apprenticeships: 1996–2016: infographic,' which enables you to filter data, is also available.