The number of apprenticeships started by young people has fallen a further eight percent, the third year in a row and now 22 percent lower than five years ago. Figures for the last academic year, published this morning by the Department for Education, reveal a continued decline for those under the age of 19, which contrasts sharply with a 16% rise in starts for those aged 25 and over (see below). When counting all apprenticeship starts under 25, there has been a decline of 25 percent in the past five years, and a three percent decline last year (see below). This again contrasts sharply with the 16% rise in the past year for those aged 25 and over. More to follow…