Apprenticeship Week kicks off

06/February/2012

The government has launched the "biggest ever" apprenticeship week, with more than 500 events planned across the country to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and their employers.

Vince Cable, the business secretary, said the government was prioritising investment in apprenticeships.

The government, in conjunction with Skillset and the National Apprenticeships Service, has pledged to work with over 300 businesses in the fashion, media and design industries to deliver 500 apprenticeships by September 2012.

It comes as figures show a rising number of businesses are taking on apprentices.

The government is also to launch a new initiative through which small firms who take on their first apprentice by 2012 will be able to apply for an incentive payment of £1,500.

"Apprenticeships are at the centre of the government's skills policy because we know that they work," Mr Cable said.

"Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses' profits and drive growth in the wider economy."

There were 457,200 apprenticeships starts in 2010/11 – an increase of 63.5 per cent on 2009/10. This growth was spread across all regions and sectors, the government said.