Apprenticeship plans must focus on work based learning

Commenting on John Denham's announcement today, that all young people will be entitled to an apprenticeship, David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

"Apprenticeships are an essential part of creating the highly skilled and capable workforce our economy demands. Mr Denham's proposals will have the backing of the business community who all too often struggle to recruit suitable and willing employees.

"If this is to be a success, the Government needs to ensure that all firms are engaged and supported when providing apprenticeships. Whilst large companies have more resource to facilitate these schemes, smaller companies are often less able.

"Crucially, the apprenticeship brand must not be weakened in order for the Government to achieve its commitments. Work based learning must come first in any apprenticeship programme."

Ends

Media Contacts:

Fiona Cunningham
Tel: 020 7654 5812
Email: f.cunningham@britishchambers.org.uk

OR

Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the National Voice of Local Business.
The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.