Government announces £6m higher apprenticeship funding
1 min read
The government has announced a new round of funding to support apprenticeships up to degree equivalent, a move it says will "deliver the world class skills firms need to drive growth".
From today (7 February), businesses and training providers will be able to bid for a share of £6m from the higher apprenticeship fund to support sectors including aerospace, energy and renewable technologies.
Launching the fund, Prime Minister David Cameron said apprenticeship starts were increasing at a record rate. "By making apprenticeships a gold standard option for ambitious young people, we are sending a message that technical excellence is as highly valued as academic prowess."
The government boasts that around 457,200 people started apprenticeships in the 2010/11 academic year, two thirds more than in 2009/10. According to the National Audit Office, every £1 of public investment in apprenticeships delivers a return of £18 to the wider economy.
Recent reforms to the apprenticeships programme include measures to raise quality standards, cut bureaucracy for employers and deliver more advanced training at 'A' level equivalent and above.
