Increase apprenticeships - Minister

17/07/2008 11:57

Firms have been urged to increase the amount of apprenticeships they offer despite new research showing the number has doubled over the past decade.

The Government wants every school-leaver to have the right to an apprenticeship by 2013, but only one in 20 employers currently offered a place, said a report.

The Learning and Skills Council called on firms to recognise the benefits apprentices bring to a business as it announced the winners of its apprenticeship awards.

Skills Secretary John Denham said: "Over the past decade we have more than doubled the number of young people and adults starting apprenticeships, spanning the breadth of our economy from accountancy to engineering, construction to veterinary nursing.

"But we plan to do more. In the next decade all qualified school leavers will have the right to an apprenticeship. It will become a typical choice for young people and adults - at the same time ensuring that businesses get the vital skills they need."

© 2010 The Press Association Limited