Employers in the UK expect to increase their graduate job vacancies by 11% this year, marking a return to double-digit growth, reports the Institute of Student Employers.

The annual Student Recruitment Pulse survey by the ISE reported the intentions of 103 of the UK’s largest student employers, which hired 12,994 graduates and 4,937 apprentices in 2017.

The survey, which polled more than 100 of the Institute’s employer members, showed that this year employers are ready to offer an additional 1,423 graduate jobs^, compared to last year. This marks a return to double-digit growth in the graduate jobs market, which was last evident before the EU referendum in 2016. In 2015 graduate vacancies grew 13%, compared to an 8% decrease in 2016 and 1% increase in 2017.

Meanwhile, the survey showed that in 2016 the number of apprenticeships increased by 13% and they rose by 19% in 2017. Compared to last year, employers are expecting to offer 1,501 more apprenticeships, a growth rate of 32%^.

The Institute adds that 38%of employers didn’t fill their vacancies in 2017, compared to 52% in 2016. Last year 4% of offers were reneged, compared to 7% in 2016.

“Over the last couple of years the recruitment season has been heavily influenced by the Brexit vote and nervousness over the economy, but we’re now seeing a return to normal state of play,” Stephen Isherwood, Chief Executive of the ISE said. “There’s a positive mood from employers in this space at the moment and students should feel reassured by this renewed confidence. There are around 20% more vacancies overall this year. If you have the right mix of skills, there are lots of opportunities and students should feel confident to go for it.”

Among the sectors that expect to see an increase in graduate vacancies include the public sector (22%), IT (18%), and energy, water or utilities sectors (13%).