Evesham Business
Seize the opportunities of apprenticeships - MP
3:20pm Monday 20th February 2012
WORCESTER’S MP Robin Walker has welcomed the news apprenticeships in the city are booming.
Last year saw an 87 per cent increase in apprenticeships compared with 2010 and this year promises even greater growth.
Mr Walker said: “February’s National Apprenticeship Week was a great opportunity to congratulate apprentices in Worcester for the fantastic work they are doing and to highlight the huge benefits apprenticeships bring.
“We should also be hugely thankful for the businesses that are taking on apprentices and for local campaigns highlighting their importance, such as the Worcester News’ 100-in-100 campaign. I hosted an event at the Guildhall last year for local businesses, education providers and students, which was a great opportunity to hear from everyone the progress that is being made and how much eagerness there is to do more.
“Apprenticeships allow people to earn and learn at the same time, while significantly increasing their potential future earnings. But the benefits go wider than that – every £1 spent on an apprenticeship returns an estimated benefit of £18 to the economy.”
The Government has recently increased the incentives for the apprenticeship system and the MP said: “I now employ an apprentice in my Worcester office so I am seeing first-hand the benefits from having someone enthusiastic and keen to learn in the office, as well as the skills they are quickly obtaining, which will be valuable for them in the workplace in future. I would urge people of all ages to consider becoming an apprentice and seize the opportunities that this Government has opened up.”