Twickenham gets hiring for National Apprentice Week (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Twickenham gets hiring for National Apprentice Week

10:17am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Richmond News By Christine Fleming

Twickenham has been leading the way with encouraging apprenticeships, with figures revealing 340 local people benefited from the work scheme last year.

News of the 81 per cent rise in Twickenham people finding practical work opportunities in 2010-11 came during this week’s National Apprenticeships Week.

Business Secretary and Twickenham MP Vince Cable said: “National Apprenticeships Week is the time to celebrate the countless achievements of learners and employers, and to call on more firms to hire an apprentice and enjoy the competitive advantage they can bring to a business.

“I am very proud of the fact that at a time of financial constraint this Coalition Government has prioritised investment in apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships are at the centre of the Coalition’s skills policy because we know that they work. Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses’ profits and drive growth in the wider economy.”

The London Academy of Apprenticeships has this week held a series of events to highlight the week, and its new £1m apprenticeship training facility in Twickenham.