Skilled workers on the rise

DESPITE the gloomy economic forecasts skilled workers are on the rise after Government statistics show record numbers of young people are completing apprenticeships in East Devon.

DESPITE the gloomy economic forecasts skilled workers are on the rise after Government statistics show record numbers of young people are completing apprenticeships in East Devon.

The district has seen the number of people completing apprenticeships double in the last four years - a total of approximately 242 people in the district completed an apprenticeship in 2007/08, compared to just 100 in 2003/2004 - an increase of 142 per cent.

The increase in the Southwest is second to only Wiltshire who saw a 177 per cent increase.

Skills Secretary John Denham said: "This Government has rescued apprenticeships, having more than trebled their number since 1997 to almost a quarter of a million today.

"Last year was a record year for apprenticeships with the highest ever starts. Today's regional figures show the highest ever number of people completing their apprenticeship, with the highest ever completion rate of 64 per cent.

"This compares favourably with other European countries but we're not complacent - we aim to increase this to 70 per cent over the coming years.

"We want to carry on expanding apprentices and get more young people and adults across England learning the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career. We know that businesses value apprenticeships highly to give them the skilled workers they need for the future and we're making it easier for businesses to offer them."

The analysis published this week marks the end of National Apprenticeships Week, February 23-27.