PM wants more apprentices

Gordon Brown

The Government is to commit to do more to re-invigorate the apprenticeship system.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that he wants apprentices to help drive forward both education and training levels and economic productivity in Britain. 250,000 apprenticeships are to be created by 2020, with funding provided to support the drive. At least £3,000 per apprentice would be available to employers in a change to the system that sees a more transparent funding system if work-based training is available. Advanced apprenticeships with engineers would see employers receive up to £15,000.

Mr Brown made the announcement in a speech that covered failing schools, university targets and teacher recruitment. He said that schools failing to get 30% of pupils attaining five GCSE C-grades within six years will face closure. Opposition parties said that the speech lacked substance and promised 'more of the same.'