Apprenticeship scheme launched (From Watford Observer)

MP Richard Harrington to host Watford Apprenticeship Programme reception

1:43pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in News By Adam Binnie

A new apprenticeship programme has been launched, in the same month that figures showed youth unemployment in the region has risen by more than 100 per cent since last year.

As part of his Watford Apprenticeship Programme, MP for Watford Richard Harrington is inviting all local businesses to attend a reception next week.

Companies who attend the event, which will take place on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, at the Park Inn Hotel, St Albans Road, can learn more about the benefits of hiring an apprentice.

On Wednesday Labour party figures revealed 3,000 more people in the East of England had lost their jobs, taking the total to 213,000.

The statistics also showed long-term youth unemployment has risen 111 per cent since last January, rising from 4,595 to 9,695 in the region.

Liam Byrne MP, Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary, said: "Today’s figures make for grim reading for the millions of squeezed families desperate for good news on the economy."

Any company that creates an apprentice scheme through Mr Harrington's programme will have the opportunity to advertise these vacancies free of charge.

Mr Harrington said: "The government and I strongly believe that apprenticeships can help small and large companies grow and take on new staff, as well as cut the levels of youth unemployment we are all concerned about."