Expanding the apprenticeship scheme

Commenting on Government plans to expand the Apprenticeships programme and training schemes, announced today by Skills Secretary John Denham, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'We welcome the Government's ambitious plan to raise skill levels across the UK by expanding Apprenticeships and the Train to Gain programme.

'Increasing investment in skills will support economic growth and productivity, help employees to progress at work and provide more sustainable employment opportunities for those seeking work.

'Trade unions are ready to help workers make the most of these new opportunities, especially through the 18,000 Union Learning Representatives who last year helped 150,000 employees into training. It is now time for more employers to step up to the mark and offer more training, including high quality, work-based Apprenticeship places.'

Members of the Work Place Learning Centre team are available to provide journalists and media organisations with expert comment on all aspects of learning at work.

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