MP hails 3,200 new apprenticeships in Cumbria

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has hailed figures released today that show that, in Cumbria, 3,200 people have started an apprenticeship between August 2011 and January 2012.

This comes on top of record numbers of apprentices in the region last year: 5,280 were on an apprenticeship in 2010/2011, representing an increase of 58% on the previous year. In Westmorland & Lonsdale the apprenticeship figures rose by 96%.

Croppers of Burneside, Gilkes at Kendal and Centrica's proposed new biomass power station in Barrow are just some of the local businesses who have contributed to providing these opportunities for young people.

Tim, who has previously called for 2012 to be the 'Year of the Apprentice' in the SouthLakes, said: "These figures are fantastic news. I have pressed hard and will continue to press for more apprenticeship places in the South Lakes. I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats have helped to make the provision of new apprenticeships a priority for the coalition government. They provide a real alternative to university for young people who want to gain nationally-recognised qualifications whilst earning money in the workplace."