Apprenticeship figures soar again "Thanks to business" says Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has this afternoon thanked local businesses at the beginning of Apprenticeship week. Figures released by the government to coincide with the week show another big uplift in the figures in our area.

11-15th March is Apprenticeship Week 2013. Events are being held across the country to raise awareness of apprenticeships among young people, schools and businesses. In our area Kendal College is hosting an apprenticeship information evening on Thursday 14th March, from 4pm to 7.30pm.

In Cumbria 13,250 apprenticeships have been created since 2010. In Westmorland & Lonsdale 1,760 young people have had the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.

Apprenticeships in areas such as engineering are vital to our economy. The National Audit Office has estimated that for every £1 spent on apprenticeships, the wider economy benefits by £18.

Tim has been working hard to try and support the creation of new jobs in our area and has also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament in support of the Enterprise Programme. The scheme, backed by the Westmorland Gazette and the Princes' Trust, aims to identify and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurial talent in Cumbria, providing financial support and advice to out of work youngsters looking to develop their own business ideas.

Tim said: "Even though we have the lowest unemployment in England, we still must do more to support young people and help create well paid jobs in our community.

"I want to thank these businesses for getting involved in the scheme and every other business in our area which has taken on an apprentice. It really makes a massive difference. More young people than ever before across the South Lakes now have the opportunity to benefit from a variety of apprenticeships that will help to provide them with the skills they need to build their careers. I want us to build on this success and do even more to help our local young people."