MP praises local businesses as apprenticeships almost double across the South Lakes

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron, is today praising local businesses across South Lakeland as the number of apprenticeships created in the constituency has increased by 96% over the past year.

Businesses across the South Lakes such as Gilkes in Kendal and Croppers in Burneside, created 370 new apprenticeships in 2009-2010. However provisional figures for 2010-2011 show that thanks to Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable's drive to increase the number of new apprenticeships, that number has almost doubled as 720 new apprenticeships were created in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

Commenting today Tim said: "This is brilliant news for young people across South Lakeland who are now able to gain vital skills and experience in a variety of trades.

"It is great that big organisations like Gilkes and Croppers are able to provide these opportunities, but we must also pay tribute to smaller businesses such as local hairdressers and mechanics as well as the fantastic work of Kendal College, all of whom have contributed to ensuring our young people can have the future they deserve."