UK employers are increasing their apprentice and graduate vacancies by 27% this year, according to a survey from the Institute of Student Employers.

The survey, which polled nearly 300 of the Institute’s employer members, found that more than 17,000 entry jobs will be offered in 2019 and 70% of employers don’t anticipate that Brexit will have any impact on their recruitment needs.

However, with 55% of employers unable to fill entry-level jobs last year - 1,839 jobs were left unfilled – there are concerns that Brexit may make it more difficult to source the talent they need (49%), according to the ISE.

Filling specialist and technical jobs both at entry level (32%) and in more experienced roles (38%) is of greater concern than filling more general positions (17%).   

Graduate roles continue to dominate the market at 66%, compared to apprenticeships. However, apprenticeships are growing more rapidly at 47% than graduate jobs at 18%. Growth in vacancies is reflected in how much of the apprenticeship levy employers are spending, which is expected to increase by more than a quarter this year to 39%.

Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive of the ISE, commented, “It will be welcome news to students and graduates that companies are optimistic about the number of jobs they’ll be offering this year. There are more routes into some of the country’s best jobs and apprenticeships continue to grow at pace, suggesting the government’s apprenticeship strategy is maturing and starting to have the desired effect.”

“There are, however, concerns over the supply of talent: that the market is contracting and Brexit may compound the issue and make for an even tougher climate. Getting the specialist and technical skills necessary for businesses to not just survive, but also grow and thrive, will be vital over the coming months and years. Clarity is needed as soon as possible to enable employers to plan,” Isherwood said.

Meanwhile, demand for graduates has increased the most in the public sector (up 32%). More graduate jobs are also more likely to be found in finance, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, the built environment and IT.

The number of apprenticeships available has increased the most in retail and IT, up 128% and 65% respectively. While there is also demand for apprentices in energy, engineering and industry (up 40%), this is the only sector to reduce the number of graduate jobs (3% fall).