Streatham MP Chuka Umunna has called on the coalition Government to increase apprenticeship opportunities for young people ahead of his trip to visit apprentices at Kwik-Fit in Streatham.
The latest round of unemployment figures indicate that across the country in excess of 900,000 people aged between 16-24 are currently classed as not in employment, education or training (NEET).
National Apprentice week was commissioned by the Labour goverment in 2008 as part of its commitment to increase the avaliablity of aprenticeships schemes throughout the UK.
The initiative has coincided with a substantial increase in the avaliblity of the schemes which have risen from 65,000 in 1996/97 to just under 280,000 in 2009/10.
“It is great to have young apprentices at work in Streatham. This shows that apprenticeships are a viable option for young people in our area, and is a clear legacy of Labour’s commitment to the programme during our time in office.”
“But with over 900,000 young people out of work, the Government needs to do more to help firms create the apprenticeship opportunities young people desperately need,” said the Labour MP.
