First launched by Labour in 2008, National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

Apprenticeships offer help to the economy and hope to our young people but sadly, under this Government, we have seen the number of apprenticeships decline by 6,780 in Yorkshire alone. With so many young people without a job, investing in apprenticeships is an integral part of creating a better economy that works for everyone instead of just a few. 

I know from speaking to young people in my constituency that apprenticeships provide a huge benefit and offer a clear path to a career for thousands of young people in our area.

Labour will create a new universal standard for apprenticeships so that they are qualifications that employers and young people can trust.  We would make sure that all apprenticeships were Level 3 qualifications, last a minimum of two years and enforce the minimum wage. Labour would also use the money the government already spends on procurement to create thousands of new apprenticeship opportunities, by requiring major suppliers on government contracts to offer apprenticeships.