91% Increase In Apprenticeships

The number of apprentices in Reading has gone up 91% in a year, latest figures show.

There were 1,320 Reading apprentices in Reading in 2010-11 compared to 691 in 2009/10. Whilst ranking tables are not expected to be released until later this year, the 91% increase will almost certainly put Reading among the top performers both regionally and nationally in terms of apprenticeships.

For 16-18 year old people there was a 95% increase in the number of young people completing apprenticeships in 2011, compared to a 12% and 15% increase regionally and nationally respectively.

The impressive figures are a in part a reflection of the effectiveness of partnership work between Reading Council and a range of public and private sector organisations that have been working together to increase the number of apprenticeships available to Reading people.

John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Education and Children’s Services, said: “At a time when everyone – and in particularly young people - are finding it difficult to gain employment it is encouraging that so many companies in Reading are offering youngsters the chance to gain valuable experience. In some cases apprenticeships will lead to full time employment later down the line, which is why I’m really pleased to see these impressive figures for Reading .”