61 apprenticeships created per month in South Lakeland - MP

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has heralded the news that an average of 61 apprenticeships per month have been created in Westmorland and Lonsdale. Figures released today show that Tim's campaign to create more apprenticeships is working.

The statistics, released by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills show that 2,800 apprenticeships have been created in our area since 2010 . The provisional statistics up to April 2014 show that 550 apprenticeships have been created so far this year. This equates to 61 apprenticeship places being created every month from August 2013 to April 2014.

Tim has repeatedly thanked local businesses for hiring apprentices and he has urged even more businesses to keep investing in our local young people by looking at if they can offer an apprenticeship place.

In 2013, research done by the House of Commons Library showed many more people aged 25 and over were starting apprenticeships in Westmorland. Tim has also welcomed the news that a majority of apprenticeship starters were female.

The county council's Lib Dem-run local committee have also agreed a fund for apprenticeships in the South Lakes. The money is targeted at small and medium sized businesses, for young people not currently in employment or training. Small and medium sized businesses will be given up to £2,500 to support them in training an apprentice.

Tim said: "This is great news and shows that our work and campaigning has made a big difference. But these figures are testament to the businesses in our area. I want us to build on this success and do even more to help our local young people.

"I also will keep urging local businesses to look at taking on an apprentice or maybe another apprentice, if you currently already employ one. Helping people earn and learn is making a massive difference."