Growing number of apprentices hired by Huntingdonshire businesses

MORE than 750 apprentices started work in the Huntingdon, St Neots, St Ives and the surrounding areas between in the 2011/12 financial year, new figures show.

The statistics show that the employers in the Huntingdon constituency hired 770 apprentices in the 12 months compared with 610 the previous year and 370 in 2009/10.

To offer support, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has announced a traineeship programme that will help aid apprentices by offering tailor-made packages to give young people aged 16-24 confidence, skills and experience to compete in the labour market with more experienced adults.

Mr Hancock said: “We want to support everyone in our country to reach their personal best. To do that, we are introducing trainees to help young people with the skills they need to get a job, and hold down a job.

“That’s vital for our economy to compete in the global race. And it’s a question of fairness. Traineeships will give young people the helping hand and experience they need to compete for apprenticeships and good jobs.”

Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly welcomed the plans. He said: “This is great news for young people trying to get a foot on the work ladder. Conervatives in Government are making sure our young people have the skills they need to compete and succeed in works.

“Seven-hundred-and-seventy people in Huntingdon constituency started apprenticeships last year and this traineeship programme will help more young people like them to compete successfully and get jobs.”

INFORMATION: For more details visit www. www.education.gov.uk