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Cash funds extra apprenticeships
MORE youngsters could land themselves an apprenticeship thanks to a huge cash boost.
Figures in the South Tyneside are already high with a 159 per cent rise in the uptake of apprenticeships over the last three years, from 172 in 2002/3 to 445 in 2005/6.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced 140m extra funding for an extra 35,000 apprenticeships across the country over the next year.
Peter Robertson, assistant head of service at Connexions, which helps young people carve out a career for themselves, said borough youngsters always snap up apprenticeship jobs.
He added: "Young people in South Tyneside are enthusiastic and committed to the acquisition of skills through the apprenticeship route.
"They have always been prepared to travel outside the borough to gain the best start to their working life.
"The recession is worrying as early signs are that many of the larger employers are considering significant reductions in their intake of apprentices later this year.
"The government proposals are a significant help to employers to continue with, or to start, recruiting apprentices.
"We know that South Tyneside's young people are ready and willing to play a full part in this; it is the availability of apprenticeships which is the key, not the attitude of the young people."
Coun Jim Foreman, lead member for children and young people, added: "It is welcome news that more money is being invested into creating more apprenticeships.
"It is more important than ever that we help our young people to get into work or on the first step of the ladder, and boost employment prospects during this economic downturn."
Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn said: "It's vital that we continue to invest in the economy and make sure people in South Tyneside have the skills they need to succeed in the future.
"The funding announced by Gordon Brown means we can have even more apprenticeships in the coming year.
"But while the Labour Government is expanding apprenticeships, Tory plans to cut spending next year could see over 220,000 apprenticeship places slashed.
"That would be a disaster for our area."
The boost for apprenticeships was also welcomed by Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North East.
He said: "The north east has a proud history of giving our young people opportunities to learn in high-skill industries – and apprenticeships are an important part of strengthening the economy."
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
