Farron - Nearly 30,000 apprenticeships created in Cumbria

Figures released today by the Department for Business show that 29,250 apprenticeship placements have been created since 2010 in Cumbria. The information also shows that in the last six months 450 apprenticeship roles have been created in Westmorland. Local MP Tim Farron has hailed the news and said that this is a vital step on our way to 'creating better paid jobs in our area'.

This means, in total, since 2010 3,430 apprenticeships have been started in Westmorland & Lonsdale.

Businesses can also apply for funding up to £1,500 if they take on an apprentice. This grant follows on from the announcement in the Autumn Statement that the Government is ending employer National Insurance contributions for all apprentices under 25. The tax change will save businesses over £1,000 a year when they employ an apprentice earning £16,000 and boost apprenticeship opportunities across all sectors in the UK.

Tim said: "The news that nearly 30,000 apprenticeships have been created in Cumbria in the last five years is wonderful and is testament to everyone - from councils to businesses coming together to make this happen.

"More important than the headline figures and the funding we have secured are the human stories. 30,000 people have a job and a chance to earn and learn.

"Apprenticeships are a key part of my campaign to create more well paid jobs in Cumbria and it looks like we can say that we are well on the way to achieving it."