Government funds 35,000 more apprenticeships

The government is investing £140 million to provide 35,000 extra apprenticeships in the public and private sector this year.

Funding comes in addition to £1 billion already pledged for apprentice programmes by the government for 2009, which will support the training of 250,000 people in the next financial year, from April.

Apprenticeships provide a route into skilled professions for young people and on-the-job training.

Children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls said: "In the current economic climate it is vital we continue to provide young people with a clear path into skilled work.

"For many young people an apprenticeship will provide an ideal pathway to successful employment."

Rolls-Royce in Derby will take on at least 50 extra apprentices in addition to the 170 it is already committed to, while Springfield Fuels in Preston is offering a graduate development programme to chemical, electrical or mechanical engineers with a starting salary of £27,197.