Provisional data shows that in the first half of the 2011/12 academic year (August 2011 to January 2012) 256,500 people started an apprenticeship, including 79,100 young people (aged under 19), 77,100 19-24 year olds and 100,300 adults aged 25 or over.
Skills minister John Hayes said: "These increases are extremely encouraging and it is testament to the Government's unwavering commitment to apprenticeships. They are at the heart of our skills policy because they equip people with the skills they need for a prosperous future and provide businesses with the expertise they need to grow.
"It is particularly encouraging to see the large number of apprenticeships for younger people.
"At the same time as increasing the number of apprenticeships, I have been relentless in my commitment to quality - striving to ensure that every apprenticeship is as good as the best."
Tom Wilson, director of Unionlearn, added: "We welcome the fact that there have been so many apprenticeships starts in the past year. We urge ministers to continue their investment in supporting successful apprenticeships.
"Unionlearn is pleased to see these apprenticeships spread across age ranges with older learners benefiting from over 100,000 of these learning opportunities. However, we do want the Government to be able guarantee that an apprenticeship is available to every young person who wants one.
"Trade union reps and officers are crucial to ensuring many more quality apprenticeships in the workplace and Unionlearn is committed to supporting this over the coming years."
