APPRENTICESHIP schemes cannot cope with demand, researchers announced yesterday as an estimated 11 applicants were found to be running for every vacancy.

According to the Institute for Public Policy Research 1.8 million candidates applied for 166,000 apprenticeships in 2014.

It was also found that two in five apprentices since 2010 were over 25, while almost 70 per cent of higher-level apprenticeships went to people with jobs.

The policy was criticised by Local Government Association spokesman Cllr Peter Box who said: “This research underlines the need for devolved training that enables partnerships of councils, schools, colleges and employers to boost opportunities.”