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Apprenticeships increase by 128%
A MASSIVE rise in apprenticeships in the Lewes constituency has been welcomed by Seaford MP Norman Baker.
Figures obtained by Mr Baker show that in the Lewes constituency they are up by 128 per cent for 2010/11, with a rise from 250 to 580.
The news came at the end of Apprenticeship Week which ran from February 6 until February 10.
Results nationwide show that apprenticeships have increased by more than 60 per cent from 2009/10.
The Apprenticeship Week seeks to persuade employers of the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their work place.
It also highlights their talent and skills to employers, as well as to the wider public to show the range of apprenticeships available in different sectors.
Mr Baker said, “A 128 per cent increase in apprenticeships locally is way above the high national average increase and is good news.
“It really highlights that local businesses are getting involved in giving opportunities to youngsters, and that the Lewes constituency is exceeding national averages.”
The coalition Government has made increasing apprenticeships a key part of its skills policy.
At the end of last year, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, announced more funding to support the growth in apprenticeships for 16 to 24 year olds, as part of the £1billion Youth Contract.
This included making at least 20,000 additional incentive payments to raise demand for the age group, doubling the previous commitment.
Mr Clegg came to Sussex in October last year and visited apprentices at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne after hearing how a town-wide campaign to find 100 apprenticeship slots in 100 days had exceeded all expectations and found 181 placements.
Mr Baker added, “Apprenticeships are a great way of getting hands on training and developing skills, and the Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, has made the government’s commitment to encouraging them clear.
“We need to ensure that we have a rounded skills base nationwide and locally in order to rebalance the economy away from financial speculators in the City of London and these figures are certainly very encouraging.”
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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