The government has beaten its own apprenticeship target with 22,000 apprenticeships being created between 2013 and 2014.
During his Autumn Statement in 2013, Chancellor George Osborne promised to invest an extra £40m into the apprenticeship sector, with hopes to put 20,000 more young people into work by 2014.
On 25th June the government confirmed that 22,000 young people have entered into apprenticeships up and down the country.
‘‘We listened to what employers told us they needed and have invested in apprenticeships to ensure their workforce have the quality skills needed to grow the business,’’ stated skills minister Nick Boles.
Traineeship figures have also exceeded expectations, as 15,000 traineeships have went underway within the first three quarters of the academic year.
‘‘These figures show we are on course to create a modern and competitive workforce that boosts the country’s productivity and prosperity. The employer-led demand for higher apprenticeships is yet another reminder of the great respect our apprentices command,’’ continued Bowles.
Since the last parliament, over 2.3m new apprenticeships have started across the country and plans to build on this success have already gotten underway.
The government has committed to creating 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 and to give apprenticeships equal legal treatment as degrees.
Young people who decided not to go into further education between 2013 and 2014 have really benefitted from the government’s efforts to raise apprenticeship numbers.
Jessica Bestwick, a 21 year-old apprentice from Nottingham said: ‘‘Thanks to starting a higher apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce, I have been able to progress my career, earning a real wage and gaining a degree at the same time.’’
‘‘My job involves working within the different civil aerospace product development teams to gain an understanding of what is involved in developing and manufacturing Civil Large Engines for our customers.’’
‘‘I would never have dreamed when I left school after completing my A-Levels that I would be where I am now. I would recommend a higher apprenticeship to anyone,’’ ended Bestwick.
