Over 4,000 apprenticeship places pledged by UK companies
25/02/2008(16:50)
British firms have pledged to add over 4,000 apprenticeship places following the prime ministers calls to boost the system.
The news came at the start of the first ever Apprenticeships Week in England, designed to encourage more employers to take on apprenticeships.
Of the 4,000 places pledged 2,000 have come from Vodafone, with Superdrug offering 1,000, Sainsbury's hosting 400 and Barchester Healthcare accommodating 350.
John Denham, the secretary of state, said: "I'm delighted that these firms have shown such a commitment to their workforce.
"Britain will only succeed in the global skills race if we develop the skills of our people to the fullest possible extent and apprenticeships have a key role to play."
Mr Denham went on to say that the government must work with employers to improve the range of apprenticeships on offer.
The entire scheme is aimed at getting young people and adults the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in business.
Veolia and Dolland & Aitchison are among some employers working on an over-training programme, according to the Guardian.
The scheme means the companies will train more apprentices than their firm needs in order to benefit the local community.
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