Kelly has welcomed new figures showing 7,410 new apprenticeships have been started by people in Rochester and Strood since 2010. This means more young people earning and learning, getting the skills they need for a successful and secure future, as they do locally across a range of businesses.
This local growth in apprenticeships has been part of a wider increase, with 348,350 started in the South East since May 2010, and over 2.6 million new apprenticeships across England.
The new figures also show progress towards the Conservatives’ commitment to deliver 3 million more apprenticeships by 2020 – with 268,000 already started in this parliament.
Kelly said:
“These figures are fantastic news. 7,410 new apprenticeships started locally since 2010 means more young people in Rochester and Strood getting the skills to get on in life and do well – as they are at places like BAE Systems.
“Apprenticeships have been a core part of our plan to deliver a more secure future for young people, which is why we committed to deliver 3 million more high quality apprenticeships by 2020 – with these figures confirming we are already making progress towards that.
“By delivering this we will ensure more young people earning and learning, with the prospect of a good job and a more secure future ahead of them.”