Apprenticeship Drive begins

The biggest drive to encourage firms to take on apprentices is due to begin, with more than 500 events across the UK and pledges of hundreds of new training places.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said the Government was prioritising investment in apprenticeships, leading to record numbers of places combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.

National Apprenticeship Week starts on Monday and ministers said it will be the biggest event of its kind, with firms across a range of industries, including British Airways and Hilton Hotels, promising to offer apprenticeships.

Skillset, the sector skills council for the creative industries, in partnership with the National Apprenticeships Service, pledged to work with 300 businesses in industries such as fashion, media and design to deliver 500 apprenticeships, with the first places set to be offered in September. Many of these businesses are small firms who will be able to apply to the Government for an incentive payment of £1,500 to take on their first apprentice in 2012/13.

Mr Cable said: "I am very proud of the fact that at a time of financial constraint this Government has prioritised investment in apprenticeships. This has led to the creation of record numbers of apprenticeships combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.

"Apprenticeships are at the centre of the Government'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."

British Airways said it was offering more apprenticeships than ever before in 2012, with the launch of two new schemes, and plans to recruit more than 200 people, in addition to the 340 students already undertaking apprenticeships or completing college courses in preparation for beginning a programme.

Chief executive Keith Williams said: "Our apprentices have become a crucial part of our operation since we launched new schemes in 2010. I'm extremely proud that in a year when all eyes are on emerging young talent, we are seeing our biggest intake of apprentices."

Hilton Worldwide unveiled plans to recruit 50 budding chefs to join its Chef Apprenticeship Academy, offering students a 12-month apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training from some of the company's most talented chefs, with either college-based courses or hotel-based master classes.

Record numbers of young people are embarking on careers in the UK automotive industry, with more than 14,000 recruited into apprenticeships in 2011 and almost two-thirds of companies recruiting new talent from schools and colleges, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).