Apprenticeships 'good for business'

07/February/2012

Apprenticeships are good for business and good for individuals, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has said as the government launches its "biggest ever" apprenticeships week.

John Longworth, BCC director general, said apprenticeships help to improve skills and give young people opportunities beyond the classroom.

Yesterday marked the start of National Apprenticeship Week with more than 500 events taking place across the country to inspire young people into new careers.

Mr Longworth said while there has been an increase in the number of apprenticeships created, more needs to be done to make it easier for small firms and UK company formations to create new placements.

Official statistics published last week show that there were 457,200 apprenticeships starts in 2010-11 – an increase of 63.5 per cent on 2009-10.

"Apprenticeships are good for business, and good for Britain," Mr Longworth said.

"They provide individuals with the first step on a career and businesses with future employees and growth, in turn bolstering the economy."