Jim has welcomed the increase in the number of apprenticeships in South East Cambridgeshire.

There are now a record number of apprenticeships in England, with half a million people starting an apprenticeship last year. Thanks to the Government’s investment, 142 more young people in England are starting an apprenticeship every single day. In South East Cambridgeshire 750 people started an apprenticeship last year which is an increase of 300 apprentices compared to 2009/10 or 67%.

Back in April, Jim visited local business, Cambridge Online Systems, in support of their commitment to taking on local apprentices. The growing IT company, which is based in the Cambridge Science Park, has taken on three apprentices from the Cambridge Regional College (CRC) in recent months.

Jim said:

“Talking to the apprentices at Cambridge Online Systems confirmed what I had suspected for a long while: spending three years at an academic university is not right for everyone. Many 16 to 18 year olds just need help to get some practical skills under their belts and can make the transition into full-time work more rapidly. Apprenticeships are for young people that have an aptitude and just need to channel it and use it to find work.

 “Apprenticeships form a vital part of the Government’s plans for economic growth and education reforms to give opportunities to more young people. It is, therefore, fantastic that 750 people in South East Cambridgeshire started an apprenticeship last year – up 300 from 2009/10.

“I want many more people in South East Cambridgeshire to have the chance to earn and learn at the same time as an apprentice. I would urge everyone to think about whether they can benefit from the many apprenticeship opportunities that are now available.”

More details about the Government Apprenticeship Scheme, including how your business could benefit from a Government grant to help you take on your first apprentice, can be found here.