AN MP says a fall in apprenticeships across the region is “shameful”.
A Government-backed apprenticeship scheme saw a 15 per cent drop in starters in 2013-14, compared to the previous 12 months, recent figures showed.
Numbers fell in every area of the North-East and North Yorkshire, except Hartlepool. In the rest of Teesside secondary school apprenticeships fell by 1,290 to 6,750 in 2013-14.
Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop, who represents Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “Despite claims by the Coalition Government we are seeing the numbers of apprenticeships falling.
“To grow the number of high-skilled, better-paid jobs we need more apprenticeship opportunities – particularly for our young people.
“It is shameful that under this Government the opportunity for a brighter future for our young people is fading away.”
The Department for Business said the fall was explained by new rules to raise quality by ensuring all apprenticeships are “real jobs” and last at least a year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel