Shropshire Star

Shropshire apprentice numbers rocketing

Apprenticeships in Shropshire are rocketing according to government figures, it was revealed today.

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Apprenticeships in Shropshire are rocketing according to government figures, it was revealed today.

The number of people taking up vocational qualifications in Shropshire and Telford leapt 38 and 78 per cent respectively last year compared to 2009/2010. The figures also show huge increases in women enrolling onto apprenticeships.

In Shropshire last year 1,380 women started work based learning compared to 840 the previous year.

In Telford 990 women began an apprenticeship – an increase of more than 85 per cent on 2009/2010.

Across both genders in Shropshire and Telford 5,170 people started an apprenticeship in 2010/2011 compared to 3,470 in 2009/2010 – a 1,700 rise.

The news was welcomed by Ludlow MP Philip Dunne who said the increase would lead to a greater skill base in the county.

More than 550 apprenticeships were launched in Ludlow during last year which gives the town a 50 percent increase on the previous year.

Mr Dunne said: "I am delighted that 560 apprenticeships were started in the Ludlow constituency in 2010/11.

"I have strongly encouraged employers to use apprenticeship schemes to develop skilled jobs in the area.

"Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for people to get on-the-job training that can lead to a fulfilling career, while employers can benefit from Government support for the costs of training.

"The coalition committed to create 50,000 new apprenticeships within weeks of forming a Government, and has already exceeded that number."

The gains on apprenticeships in the 16-24 age range have been made in a number of areas including health and social care, children's care, learning and development, hospitality and catering, business administration and teaching support.

See also:

  • Search for jobs in Shropshire

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