Apprenticeships Going from Strength to Strength in Tamworth

Marking National Apprenticeship Week, Christopher Pincher, has welcomed the 109% increase in the number of people starting an apprenticeship in Tamworth last year.

The Government is delivering unprecedented funding for new apprenticeships.  In addition, the Prime Minister announced that from 7th February 2012:

• Businesses and training providers can bid for a share of £6 million from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund, which will support the development of thousands of new Higher Apprenticeships in sectors including aerospace, energy and renewable technologies
• Small and medium-sized businesses without any apprentices who hire one aged 16-24 are eligible for a £1,500 bonus, with up to 40,000 payments available
• Businesses can bid for a share of a £250 million fund to boost skills in their workplace giving employers rather than training providers direct access to funding for training

Mr. Pincher said, “National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to congratulate apprentices across Tamworth on the fantastic work they are doing and to highlight the huge benefits apprenticeships bring.

“I was very pleased to visit Lovell’s training centre on Bonehill Road last week and speak to apprentices there.  What struck me was their enthusiasm and commitment.  We need to keep encouraging that.

“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.

“That is why it is such great news that 500 more people in Tamworth started an apprenticeships last year thanks to the Coalition’s extra investment – a whopping 109% increase on the previous year!  I urge people of all ages to consider becoming an apprentice and seize the opportunities that the government has opened up for them.”