January 8, 2009
MP WELCOMES APPRENTICESHIPS FUNDING BOOST
John Healey MP has welcomed a funding boost which could see more apprenticeship places available for young people and adults in Rotherham.
The number of people completing an apprenticeship in the borough has risen by 88 per cent over the last three years from 295 in 2002/03 to 555 in 2005/06.
Now the Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced £140 million of extra funding for an additional 35,000 apprenticeships across the country in the next 12 months.
Mr Healey, Labour MP for Wentworth, said: “In the current economic downturn, it’s vital that we continue to invest in the economy and make sure people in Rotherham have the skills they need to succeed in the future.
“In our area we’ve already seen a revival of apprenticeships with a 88 per cent increase in just three years. The funding announced by Gordon Brown this week means we can have even more apprenticeships in the coming year.
“Not only will this investment help us get through the economic downturn, it will also ensure we have more skilled workers for the future so our area can benefit from the upturn."
The Government now guarantees that all 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered a suitable education or training opportunity to ensure they do not stop learning.
Between 2006/07 and 2007/08 alone the number of people starting apprenticeships increased by over 40,000 – but the long-term goal is to have 250,000 starters each year and for one in five young people to have begun one by 2020.
The Government recently announced that an extra 7,000 apprenticeships are expected in construction as a result of public works.
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