MP backs national apprenticeship campaign

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has backed a national apprenticeship campaign and urged people to a fresh look at the career path. He has also taken the opportunity to again ask local businesses to look at taking on an apprentice.

The 'Get In. Go Far' campaign aims to inspire young people to consider an apprenticeship alongside university and benefit from the opportunity to earn while they learn. The campaign coincides with the introduction of 40 new employer-designed apprenticeships in sectors including engineering, hospitality and the legal profession.

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.

Since 2010, there have been over 1.8 million apprentices in England and this number continues to grow. Research has also shown that 86% of those who did an apprenticeship stayed in work afterwards, 67% with the same employer. A survey with employers also found that 96% of businesses which have taken on an apprentice believe their company has benefitted.

Locally since 2010, over 2,440 apprenticeships have been started and we have seen a doubling of apprenticeship places.

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: "I have campaigned for the last four years to support apprenticeships. I welcome this national campaign and I hope that young people who may have received their GCSE results look at apprenticeships seriously. But it is important to say that an apprenticeship is not just for young people. They are for anyone who wants to earn and learn at the same time.

"I also urge local businesses to look at taking on an apprentice or maybe another apprentice, if you currently already employ one. It really makes a massive difference. I want us to build on this success and do even more to help our local young people."

For more information on apprenticeships and the apprentices that are being featured in 'Get In. Go Far' campaign, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.