MP '730 apprenticeships created in Westmorland in the last year alone'

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that 730 apprenticeships have been created in Westmorland & Lonsdale in the last year.

Figures released this afternoon by Skills Funding Agency and Department for Business, Innovation & Skills are for the full year 2013/14. The figures show that in Westmorland & Lonsdale we have seen a further increase in apprenticeships and have now created 2,980 since 2010. In 2013/14 in Cumbria 5,550 apprenticeships were created.

In the county 470 businesses have received a £1500 government grant to help and support them to take on an apprentice.

Tim has also urged local businesses who haven't looked so far at taking on an apprentice to do so. He believes they will find it incredibly rewarding for their business but will also be able to see a person develop and learn a skill.

Tim said: "Since 2010 we have created nearly 3,000 apprenticeships. That is an amazing figure and is testament to the fantastic local businesses we have in South Cumbria. Our apprenticeship campaign has made a massive difference and it's something I am incredibly proud of.

"Every time we create another apprenticeship, we do that knowing we help another person into work and allowing them to earn and learn a trade at the same time."