Gareth Johnson MP welcomes growth in apprenticeships under Coalition Government

For Immediate Release

 

Gareth Johnson MP for Dartford has welcomed new figures which show Coalition investment has led to a substantial rise in the number of apprenticeships since the last Labour Government.

 

Recent figures show a 107% increase in Dartford since 2009, putting the total number at 680 in 2011.  Dartford is in fact has the 6^th highest increase in apprenticeships start ups out of 84 constituencies in the south east.

 

The Coalition has recently announced a new scheme of incentives for small employers to take on their first young apprentice. To encourage thousands of small firms that don’t currently hire apprentices to take on a young apprentice aged 16 to 24, the Government will offer employers with up to 50 employees an incentive payment of up to £1,500. This will support up to 20,000 new apprenticeships in 2012/13. Details of how to apply will be announced by the Business department in the next few weeks.

 

Gareth said:

 

“I am delighted that more and more people and employers in Dartford have benefited from an apprenticeship thanks to the extra investment by the Government.”

 

ENDS

 

For Further information contact Gareth on 0207 219 7047