3,110 APPRENTICES STARTED LAST YEAR ACROSS STOCKPORT

New figures show that last year across the Stockport Borough 3,110 people started an apprenticeship last year. This is an increase of 60% since the Coalition Government came to power.

There has also been an increase of apprentices across the Cheadle constituency with 690 apprentices starting a new programme, an increase of 41% compared to Labour's last year in Government.

The Coalition Government intends to reduce bureaucracy so that organisations from a variety of sectors are able to offer apprenticeships to young people. It is also committed to the expansion of apprenticeships in order to combat the problem of youth unemployment.

Commenting, Mark said:

"Liberal Democrats are determined to tackle youth unemployment and get our economy back on track. We need to rebalance the economy away from the speculators gambling with other people's money in the City of London.

"Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government are doing the right thing by investing across our area through the Regional Growth Fund to create sustainable growth, driven by our local employers.

"For us to be successful, people need the skills and experience to take advantage of new jobs being created in our area. Apprenticeships are a huge part of that.

"Apprenticeships make companies more productive and give young people the experience and skills they need.

"The record rise in learners taking them up last year is great news for our area and the economy as a whole. The whopping 60% increase since Labour's last year in power shows the Coalition Government's is investing in the right thing and that it is paying off."