New apprentice jobs on the way

Whitbread, the Dunstable-based hospitality giant, has committed to hiring 2,000 apprentices.

Other Beds employers stepping forward to boost apprenticeships include Central Beds Council, which will take on 20 new apprentices.

And the Wheatfield Surgery, Luton, is among four other teams which have each pledged to create one new apprentice vacancy.

Anglian Water, in the East of England, has promised 42 new apprentice vacancies.

Nationally, more than 20,000 new apprenticeships were pledged.

There has also been a boost for new traineeships, which help young people with work preparation training, English, maths and work experience so they can secure an apprenticeship or other employment.

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock MP said: “Apprenticeships are delivering for employers, young people, adults and the economy and are increasing at a record rate. Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice reports benefits to their business.”

Learn about apprenticeships and traineeships at www.apprenticeships.org.uk