Sir Robert Buckland MP has welcomed a major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places.
He says this will benefit local small businesses and young people across his South Swindon constituency.
Backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, the Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21, reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career.
Sir Robert said: “A total of 9,980 of my constituents have started an apprenticeship since I first became Member of Parliament for South Swindon back in 2010.
“With nearly 700 training courses now available, the plan under the Conservatives is working, delivering a brighter future for people across the country by ensuring they have the skills they need to secure high-skilled jobs, creating a stronger economy.
“Today’s announcement will build on that progress to support even more people to fulfil their potential, while also helping small businesses make the most of our fantastic local talent and grow the economy.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This Government has built a world-leading apprenticeship system from the ground-up – with apprenticeship opportunities in almost 70 per cent of all occupations across the whole country.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for businesses to develop the skills they need, and for young people to access exciting career opportunities .
“Our plan to deliver a high-growth, high-skilled economy is working, with more opportunities available to young people than ever before.”
The Government will increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass on to other businesses – from 25 percent of their unused levy to 50 percent.
Taken together, the Government says, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities young people deserve.
This, Government Ministers and MPs say, builds on the Conservative Government’s strong track record of creating a world-class apprenticeship system, with over 5.7 million people starting an apprenticeship since 2010.
A Government spokesperson said: "The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to create opportunities for young people while supporting small businesses, building a brighter future where everyone can fulfil their potential.
"Since 2010, the Conservative Government have created a world-class apprenticeship system, delivering over 5.7 million apprenticeships since 2010 and offering more opportunities for young people to gain the skills they need to succeed and helping to grow the economy.
"Building on this strong track record, the Prime Minister has announced that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships for young people in small businesses from 1 April 2024 and increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses from 25 percent to 50 percent.
"The Conservative Government is sticking with the plan to provide more opportunities for young people, ensuring everyone can get the skills they need to secure high-skilled jobs and build a brighter future."
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