Cable hails success of apprenticeships

The Business Department said there had been 442,700 apprenticeship starts between August 2010 and July 2011, a rise of more than 50 per cent with final figures from 2009/10.

The figures included 175,500 among people over the age of 25, compared with 49,100 in the previous year, and 138,900 starts by 19 to 24-year-olds (113,800).

There were increases in apprenticeships in manufacturing, engineering and construction as well as health and public services.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “This Government’s unprecedented investment in apprenticeships is working for businesses and creating long-term career opportunities for record numbers of trainees.”