Liberal Democrats created 840 new apprentices in Hinckley and Bosworth in last year -Cllr Michael Mullaney

Local campaigner Cllr Michael Mullaney has welcomed new figures showing that 840 people started an apprenticeship in Hinckley and Bosworth in the last 12 months.

Liberal Democrats in Government have led the apprentice drive and are on course to deliver two million apprenticeships in Britain by the end of this parliament.

And new figures from the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills show 840 apprenticeships were created in the area in 2013/14.

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Hinckley and Bosworth Cllr Michael Mullaney said:

"Gone are the days when a vocational education was seen as the poor relation when it came to choosing a career path.

"We are seeing more young people choosing apprenticeships while hearing from businesses who say they simply couldn't function without the talent and ambition they bring.

"All young people should have an opportunity to get on in life and apprenticeships are a great way to deliver that.

"Liberal Democrats have pushed this policy in Government and made sure apprentice programmes are rigorous, responsive and meet the changing needs of the future economy.

"Delivering on apprenticeships helps build the stronger economy and fairer society Britain needs."