Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, today welcomed news from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills that the number of apprenticeships on the Isle of Wight has doubled over the last year.
Although still provisional until the year ends, the figures indicate that the number of young people in an apprenticeship on the Island has gone up 100%, from 820 by the end of 2010, to 1640 jobs in 2011.
The Island has fared better than both the regional and national averages; the number of apprenticeships across the South-East of England has increased by 44%, whilst across the whole of England there has been an average increase of 58%.
Mr Turner commented;
“This really is good news for the Island, and I am very grateful to all the people that have put the work and effort into making sure that the apprenticeship scheme has been a success for our young people.
“Whilst these figures are very welcome and a useful step in the right direction, in these difficult times, there is a long way to go to generate enough permanent meaningful employment opportunities for all young people on the Island. The apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way to get students from school and college into a professional mentality and used to working. I support it wholeheartedly and would encourage all Island businesses to think hard about whether or not there is scope for an apprentice within their business.”
Rachel Fidler, Managing Director of HTP Training on the Island (a national apprenticeship provider, rated as excellent by OFSTED) has also welcomed the news, saying;
“There has certainly been a recent upturn in people undertaking apprenticeships on the Island. Apprenticeships are particularly suiting young people and existing employees without formal qualifications to develop skills whilst on the job, combining the theory and knowledge with real work experiences. It’s a great way to get into a job or career, particularly if you are not keen on a traditional classroom environment, or alternatively to develop and accredit your existing skills.

“Employers are reaping the benefits of more effective and better trained staff in a financial climate where every customer experience, every available opportunity and every earned pound needs to be fully maximised by confident and efficient staff.”

ENDS Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808 or
HTP on 01983 533926