A record 143,400 people completed their apprenticeship in the 2008/09 academic year, according to data on vocational qualifications released by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

This increase of 27.4% compared to 2007/08 smashes all previous records, and means the government has met its target to increase the number of apprenticeship completions two years early.

Statistics also showed that 239,900 people started an apprenticeship in the same academic year, representing the highest number of successful starts and completions ever in an academic year.

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The overall success rate for apprenticeships was 70.9% in 2008/09, significantly higher than the target success rate of 65% and the 37% pass rate in 2004/05.

Apprenticeships Minister Kevin Brennan said: "It's great news that we’re seeing the highest ever number of people completing an apprenticeship, and that the success rates have jumped to over 70%. I’d like to congratulate all the people who have successfully completed an apprenticeship, and all the businesses who continue to offer apprenticeships, even in difficult economic times.

"The figures speak for themselves: they show that apprenticeships today are rightly regarded as an excellent way to train and build the nation’s skills. As we rebuild growth, it’s essential that we continue to invest in people and their skills, especially in industries key to our future economic success."

(CD/KMcA)