Steve has warmly welcomed an announcement that the government's ambition to deliver 50,000 adult apprenticeships has been more than doubled. There were over 326,000 new starts in the first 9 months of the 2010-2011 academic year, which is 114,000 more than their target.
John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "Fulfilling our ambitions was bound to be challenging given the difficult economic circumstances. As we publish the latest Statistical First Release, I am delighted to be able to confirm that we have greatly exceeded this ambition."
"The growth has been across sectors, at all ages and levels. This is an historic achievement not just for Government but for employers, training providers and learners too. We have given colleges greater freedoms and flexibilities to meet the needs of businesses in their communities- consequently they have harnessed a very strong evidence base to persuade employers to invest in apprenticeships."
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine added: "This growth proves that employers recognise apprenticeships to be a sound platform for long term economic prosperity. To build on this work we are now focusing on encouraging firms who haven't taken on an apprentice before to do so and helping those who have to expand their programmes particularly at Advanced and Higher levels.
"I really do hope that this year's expansion is part of a step change in attitudes towards the recruitment of apprentices."
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Find out more about the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills at www.bis.gov.uk.