Fifth annual Apprenticeship Week is launched

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Feb 2012

The week is on track to be the biggest Apprenticeship Week to-date, with over 500 events across the country celebrating the countless achievements of learners and employers.

Many of these businesses are small firms who from next week will be able to apply for an incentive payment of £1,500 to take on their first apprentice in 2012/13. This scheme was announced by the Government in November last year.

Vince Cable said:

"I am very proud of the fact that at a time of financial constraint this Government has prioritised investment in apprenticeships. This has led to the creation of record numbers of apprenticeships combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.

"Apprenticeships are at the centre of the Government's skills policy because we know that they work. Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses' profits and drive growth in the wider economy.

"We are providing extra help to enable small employers to hire their first apprentices. We will also continue to develop new advanced and higher-level apprenticeships to deliver the world-class skills individuals and firms need to get ahead."

Apprenticeship Week is supported by a huge range of organisations including: employers, apprentices, media, business and sector organisations, learning providers, colleges and schools.