Justin Tomlinson MP Welcomes New Figures Showing Major Increase in Apprenticeships In Swindon

Local MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed new statistics, released as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which show another major increase in the number of people undertaking an apprenticeship in Swindon.

Official data confirms that since 2010 there have been 12,590 apprenticeship starts in Swindon (including 1,820 in the last twelve months).

Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Government’s strategy to expand opportunity and develop the skilled workforce the country needs. This includes working with industry to deliver an ambitious target of 3 million new apprenticeship starts by 2020.

The North Swindon MP has actively championed the apprenticeship programme since he was first elected in 2010; highlighting the vital part high quality training for jobs across the economy; from fencing to financial services and catering to cyber security.

Between 2010 and 2015, the Government created 2.38 million apprenticeships, which is more than double the number created by Labour in their last term, and there have been a further 1.2 million new apprenticeship starts nationally since 2015 alone. Take up of higher-level apprenticeships in 2016-17 was up by nearly 35% compared to 2015 -16.

However Ministers know there is still more to do, which is why the Government recently launched an education and funding review that will help people choose the education & train path that is right for them; ensuring that both technical and academic pathways are treated equally.

Increasing the number of high quality apprenticeships is an essential part of the Government’s broader skills agenda, and sits alongside ‘T levels’ within a reformed vocational training system. T-Levels are technical qualifications which will be as rigorous and respected as A-Levels. They are being developed in partnership with industry professionals from leading UK and global companies to ensure they have real credibility.

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Justin met with new apprentices at Cleeve Technology who are based in Kembrey Park. The company design and manufacture electrical cable assemblies & harnesses for major companies including Apple and Jaguar Land Rover.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, and open doors to highly skilled, rewarding careers. I have seen first-hand, in visits across Swindon, the vital role apprenticeships play in developing new skill sets & opening up opportunities for high quality careers in industries as diverse as hospitality & heavy engineering. This Government’s reforms are not only increasing apprenticeship numbers, but also driving up the quality of apprenticeships, meaning they have real value in the jobs market. This is yet further evidence that the Conservatives are working hard to