INDUSTRY bosses have called for better apprenticeships to take advantage of increased work generated by the growing economy.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says more apprentices are needed to avert a skills crisis.

Neil Carberry, CBI director for employment and skills, said: “The flip side of faster growth is an escalating skills crisis.

“While this isn't surprising, it makes it all the more urgent to close the skills gaps in science, technology, engineering and maths to support the recovery.

“We must expand access to high quality apprenticeships and other learn while you earn schemes and ensure that these meet the needs of both businesses and employees.

“To equip young people with the knowledge they need, there must also be a sea-change in the quality of careers advice in schools, so they are more aware of the opportunities and rewards of working in key sectors which face skills shortages.”