Boost in apprenticeships welcome news for Hinckley and Bosworth- Cllr Stuart Bray

News that the Government has delivered more than 100,000 extra apprenticeships, twice as many as expected, has been welcomed by the Liberal Democrat leader of Hinckley and Bosworth council.

Figures released by the Government, show that 29,270 people first started an apprenticeship last year in the East Midlands.

Commenting, Cllr Stuart Bray Lib Dem leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent way to help young people gain the skills and knowledge to start out on the job market.

"It is of huge value to them and to businesses in our area that 29,270 apprentices started last year in this region, an increase of 10,980.

"Many young people here in Hinckley and Bosworth will benefit from these new apprenticeships.

"The Borough Council is working closely with MIRA and North Warwickshire and Hinckley College to deliver new apprenticeships for local young people.

"Every £1 of Government money is delivering a return of some £40 to the wider economy, this is an excellent investment in the local area and in our young people."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said:

"The growth in apprenticeships to more than double the planned ambition, demonstrates our commitment to delivering the skills businesses need to grow and young people need to build productive careers.

"We're determined to do more to boost growth, rebalance the economy, extend opportunity and break down barriers between academic and vocational learning.

"Our planned investment will deliver some 360,000 apprenticeships this year alone, and we'll continue to work with the business community to make it easier for more employers of all sizes to take on an apprentice and reap the benefits they bring."