Last week was National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
In light of its success, employers across a range of sectors have pledged to create over 20,000 new apprenticeships. Hundreds of businesses have jumped on the apprenticeship bandwagon, from big corporates like Lloyds Banking Group, which plans to hire 5,000 apprentices, to a number of SMEs across the country.
National Apprenticeship Week has also seen a boost in traineeships, which give young people skills in English, Maths and work experience to help them secure an apprenticeship or other employment.
Additionally, Prime Minister David Cameron announced the government’s commitment to creating two million apprenticeships over the lifetime of the current Parliament. The next round of Trailblazer employers were also revealed, who will lead the transformation of apprenticeships.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The Government is putting an end to the damaging divide between vocational and academic learning. We are committing the biggest ever investment in Apprenticeships and are on track to create two million Apprenticeships over the course of this Parliament.
“The resounding success of this year’s National Apprenticeship week demonstrates that apprenticeships are deservedly becoming more popular with business of all sizes. Apprentices already contribute £1.8 billion to the economy and with these further commitments, thousands more people will now be able to get the practical skills they need to build careers and help firms grow.”
