News
02 February 2010
THE government today (Tues Feb 2) launched National Apprenticeship Week, celebrating the commitment of London employers to recruit apprentices and urging people to look at the benefits of becoming an apprentice.
Major UK employers are expecting to hire thousands of apprentices in 2010 and the government is encouraging all businesses to take up the new Apprentice Grant for Employers (AGE) scheme offering a £2,500 grant for each 16 or 17-year-old apprentice taken on.
Morrisons will be creating more than 20,000 apprenticeships in the next year, and offers training in Bakery, Butchery and Retail Skills, at level two, equivalent to five good GCSEs.
Crossrail has made a commitment to take on 400 apprentices in the next year through its contractors, and B&Q has said it aims to double its apprenticeship intake to 300 this September.
Business minister Pat McFadden said: "For so many businesses to be planning to recruit in 2010 is good news for the whole economy.
"It shows employers increasingly recognise the benefits they get from hiring apprentices.
"Undertaking an apprenticeship is a great way of learning a trade and gaining vocational experience."
Pat McFadden said that in 1997 apprenticeships had dwindled, but today 239,900 are starting apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships minister Kevin Brennan said: "Skills will be key to the recovery of the UK economy and apprentices can be vital to businesses looking to innovate and grow.
"I am proud so many businesses are hiring apprentices already. Last year 143,000 people completed an apprenticeship, helping to give them the skills and experience they need to get on at work."
Vic Grimes of The National Apprenticeship Service said: "Our research shows that firms who take on apprentices have been in great shape to face the downturn.
"Last year saw a seven per cent increase in apprentices; that's 240,000 people starting their careers with the best possible training and the determination to succeed.
"What continues to surprise me is the number of companies who still haven't switched on to apprentices and the value they bring to businesses."
David Frost from the British Chambers of Commerce said: "The recession has taught us two key things: that businesses' long-term commitment to investment in their workforce really pays off, and that young people must be effectively brought into employment. Apprenticeship programmes offer both of these factors.
"We would strongly advise our members, and indeed all businesses, to consider apprenticeships as part of their recruitment strategy.