Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has called on the Government to adopt Labour’s plan to create over 20,000 new apprenticeships.
Gwynne’s intervention, which comes during National Apprenticeships Week, aims to counter the downward trend in training opportunities under the Conservative Government. In Denton and Reddish, apprenticeship starts have declined by over 45% since 2010.
To reverse this, Labour is calling on the Government to introduce a wage subsidy, which would be funded from underspent funding in the apprenticeships levy – a charge large employers have to pay to government.
Backed by the Association of Employers and Learning Providers (AELP), Labour’s plan could have created 100,000 new apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds across England this year.
National Apprenticeships Week runs until the 13th of February, and recognises the enormous contribution made by apprentices and their employers.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I’m really pleased to be backing National Apprenticeship Week. Apprentices make such a huge contribution to our economy and wider society, and it’s only right that we recognise that.
However, the Government has really dropped the ball on apprenticeships, and young people in Denton and Reddish are paying the price.
The Government must adopt Labour’s wage subsidy policy as a matter of urgency. It’s the only way that we can boost opportunities and thrive as we continue to recover from the pandemic”
Shadow Minister for Further Education and Skills, Toby Perkins MP, added:
“The Conservatives have overseen a decade of decline in apprenticeships, failing to secure the skills and training opportunities our country needs.
Instead of focusing on creating new opportunities for young people and tackling the skills shortages across key sectors of the UK economy, this government is distracted by scandals at the heart of Downing Street.
Ministers should adopt Labour’s plan to create thousands of new apprenticeships this year, securing the opportunities young people need to gain productive skills and support our economy to prosper.”
Pictured: Gwynne backing the plan at a parliamentary event earlier this week