Rebecca Taylor MEP has welcomed the big increase in the number of apprenticeships in the region. Latest figures show that thanks to the efforts of Liberal Democrats in government, more than 64,000 people were on an apprenticeships last year in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. That means there has been a huge increase of 76% compared to the last year of the former Labour government.
This big boost for apprenticeships and young people in the Yorkshire and Humber region comes as National Apprenticeship Week gets underway. National Apprenticeship Week aims to raise awareness and celebrate the successes of the apprenticeship scheme.
Commenting, Rebecca Taylor, Liberal Democrat MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“I am passionate about apprenticeships. They are a great way for young people to learn the skills and experiences they need to for a successful career.
“One of the major achievements of the Liberal Democrats in Government has been to promote and invest heavily in apprenticeships. Nationally, the Liberal Democrats recognise that apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways of helping young people get the jobs they so desperately need and deserve. Apprenticeships are not only of benefit to the apprentices themselves; they also allow the country to build a stronger economy, with a highly-skilled and flexible workforce.
“Employers have to be signed up to the apprenticeships agenda and I would encourage any employers not already signed up to consider becoming involved. I would especially encourage small and medium sized enterprises to consider taking apprentices and to inform them that financial support is available. Helpfully, the European Union is also playing its part in making this happen, through the EU Youth Guarantee Scheme, which will allow EU funding to be used for youth employment initiatives including apprenticeships.”