John Denham, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, has announced extra investment to boost skill levels and expand the number of apprenticeships.

The Labour Government set out its priorities and funding for the Learning and Skills Council and outlined the first stage in its longer term strategy to meet the challenges set out by the Leitch Review of Skills. 

The plans include a massive expansion of funding for apprenticeship places over the next three years – with funding for over 400,000 apprenticeship places for young people and adults across England by 2010/11.

Locally, this builds on a big boost in apprenticeship places in Southampton.  Over the last three years the number of completed apprenticeships rose by 138% from 136 in 2002/03 to 324 in 2005/06. 

There will also be extra funding for further education colleges and to give young adults greater access to advice and skills training. Investment in work based skills training will be doubled with a big expansion of the ‘Train to Gain’ programme.

John Denham said: “For many people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives – whether getting into and on at work, improving their job prospects or simply putting more money into their pockets.

“That’s why I welcome this extra investment for skills in our area. By offering people better access and rights to training, it is saying to the people of Southampton ‘if you want to get on, the Labour government is on your side.’

“Apprenticeships have been making a comeback over recent years – with 324 completed apprenticeships in our area last year – but we need to go even further. So I am particularly pleased to announce (with my Cabinet colleague Ed Balls MP) the Government’s pledge to increase the number of apprenticeship places over the next three years and also to give adults a right to basic skills where needed.

“This ambitious plan to raise skill levels will boost the job prospects of people in Southampton and is vital if we are to give everyone the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.”