Back apprenticeship week urges Farron

On the eve of National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 13 March 2015), South Lakes MP Tim Farron is urging local businesses to keep backing apprenticeships and help boost the campaign to allow people to earn and learn at the same time.

Tim hopes that the week will focus on the wide range of apprenticeships on offer and the positive impact that they have on businesses and individuals. Statistics released in January by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today show that we have now created 3,280 apprenticeships in our area since 2010.

Grants and packages of financial support exist to support businesses to take on an apprentice and a local fund was created to provide traineeships or work experience for disadvantaged young people. In our area, a series of events are being held during the week. To find out about them, please visit: http://nas.apprenticeships.org.uk/awards/apprenticeship-week-2015/events-map.aspx

Yesterday the Government's Apprenticeship Ambassador Gordon Birtwistle MP visited Kendal to meet apprentices at Gilkes and present them with their graduation certificates.

Tim said: "Apprenticeships give people invaluable skills and training that can last a lifetime and they are great for employers too. Over the last few years, we have worked with business to create over 3,000 apprenticeships in all types of businesses, be them big or small. This is something I am very proud of."

"Apprenticeships are incredibly important and I am urging businesses who haven't taken on an apprentice so far to look at taking one on now. Businesses are eligible for a £1,500 grant and with other changes to National Insurance rules, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice."