For so many businesses to be planning to recruit in 2010 is
good news for the whole economy. It shows employers increasingly recognise the benefits
they get from hiring apprentices.
Undertaking an apprenticeship is a great way of learning a trade and gaining vocational experience.
In 1997 Apprenticeships had
dwindled as a route for people to gain new skills, today we have 239,900 starting
Apprenticeships and businesses of all sizes are reaping the rewards of having a
highly skilled workforce. Skills will be crucial to a strong economic recovery
and I urge employers across the country to take the chance apprentices give
them to boost their competitiveness, innovation and growth this year.
Morrisons will be creating more than 20,000 Apprenticeships
in the next year, and offers training in Bakery, Butchery and Retail Skills, at
level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs). The supermarket is just one major UK employer
making a commitment to Apprenticeships this week.
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship
Service, said:
“The time is absolutely right for businesses of all sizes to
take on apprentices. Our research shows that firms who take on apprentices have
been in great shape to face the downturn.
Last year saw a seven per cent increase in apprentices, that’s
240,000 people starting their careers with the best possible training with the
determination to succeed.
What continues to surprise me is the number of companies who
still haven’t switched on to apprentices and the value they bring to
businesses.”