Big rise in apprenticeships in Bosworth welcomed

Hinckley and Bosworth Liberal Democrats have welcomed a big increase in apprenticeships during the academic year 2010/11. The increase in apprenticeships in the Bosworth constituency was the 2nd biggest in the entire country.

Apprenticeships in the Bosworth constituency more than doubled from 390 in 2009/10 to 1,050 in 2010/11. Only West Harrow recorded a bigger increase in England.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Bosworth Cllr Michael Mullaney welcomed the news. Michael said "The increase in apprenticeships in Hinckley and Bosworth is good news. Apprenticeships give people the skills and experience needed to succeed in the job market.

"The future of apprenticeships in our area is looking even more positive with the expansion of MIRA and the major apprenticeship programme they have.

"Apprenticeships make companies more productive and give young people the experience and skills they need.

"Liberal Democrats are determined to tackle youth unemployment and get our economy back on track. Apprenticeships are a huge part of that.

"Apprenticeships are beneficial to all involved and the record rise in learners taking them up is great news for people in Hinckley and Bosworth."
Liberal Democrats have long called for a significant increase in apprenticeships and Lib Dem Business Secretary, Vince Cable, has made this a priority.

To support more employers, especially small businesses, to take on apprentices, the Coalition Government has announced a number of measures, including:

1. Offering employers with up to 50 employees an incentive payment of £1,500 to take on apprentices aged 16-24. This will encourage small employers to take on up to 20,000 apprentices.

2. Streamlining processes so that it takes just a month for an employer to advertise for an apprentice.

3. Ensuring that the National Apprenticeship Service better supports the needs of small employers - through more effectively targeted advice and guidance and helping training providers work more effectively with local SMEs.

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable said:
"The apprenticeships programme is a success story, with record numbers of learners starting an apprenticeship this year. But I have listened to employers, and will go further to ensure that investment is targeted where impact is greatest, delivering the specific skills businesses need to drive growth.

"Apprenticeships are proven to boost the life chances of young people, and are a sound investment in our future competitiveness. So when times are tough, it's right that we provide additional support to help the smallest firms meet training costs.

"We'll cut no corners on quality. Apprenticeships will remain the gold standard for excellence in vocational training - but where red tape serves no purpose, we'll strip it away."