Saffron Walden MP supports Prime Minister’s vision for National Apprenticeship Week to become “the new norm”

UTTLESFORD’S MP has given his backing to a vision that would make it the norm for young people to go either to university or start an apprenticeship.

Sir Alan Haselhurst offered his support to Prime Minister David Cameron’s vision for the scheme this week.

Across the constituency 660 people started apprenticeships in the academic year 2011/12, and another 210 have started since the start of the year.

And it comes after the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has released a forecast which shows that apprenticeships completed over the next decade could contribute productivity gains worth up to £3.4billion a year to the economy by 2022.

Sir Alan said: “The Government is investing in apprenticeships to ensure that the country has the skills it needs to compete in the world and people across Essex are benefiting from this. Apprenticeships are a win for the individual and a win for business.

“National Apprenticeship Week provides a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy both locally and nationally.”