New research finds Apprenticeships vital to region’s economy

The launch of the new National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) was marked recently with the publication of new research, highlighting the vital contribution apprentices make to individuals, businesses and the economy in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The NAS will reinforce the Government's commitment to ensure that every suitably qualified young person has the right to an Apprenticeship by 2013, and will be responsible for the delivery and funding of Apprenticeships across England.

Its main focus will be to make it as easy as possible for employers to take on apprentices, streamlining the application process, and offering support and advice at every step for both the employer and learner. A new online matching service has already been helping employers advertise vacancies and prospective apprentices to apply for Apprenticeships.

New research, commissioned by the LSC to mark the launch, showed that more than three quarters (77 per cent) of the apprentices surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber, believe that without their Apprenticeship they would not be earning their current salary. The majority of those surveyed (90 per cent) also believe that taking an Apprenticeship has provided a number of benefits including better job prospects, higher salaries, improved confidence, better social skills and a stronger sense of direction.

Lord Young, former Skills and Apprenticeship Minister and Sarah McCarthy-Fry, former Schools Minister, celebrated the launch by meeting with apprentices from a range of sectors to hear what their Apprenticeship means to them.

Lord Young said: "The launch of the National Apprenticeship Service is testament to the Government's commitment to ensuring the future of our nation’s skills. Apprenticeship numbers have more than trebled over the past ten years and the new service will play an integral part in meeting our Apprenticeship targets."

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, adds: "In the current climate, Apprenticeships offer the best of both worlds; giving employers access to a pool of talent that can be shaped to improve business performance, and providing people with a great start in their chosen career."

And it’s not only apprentices who benefit. An additional survey commissioned by the LSC, of employers who employ apprentices, 89 per cent of businesses in Yorkshire and Humber said apprentices helped to generate higher overall productivity. Furthermore, two-thirds of employers surveyed (61 per cent) believe their apprentices help them to be more competitive in their businesses.

To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600

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