27-02-2008
LSC highlights benefits of apprentices
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The UK's Learning and Skills Council (LSC) believes that apprentices can be beneficial to businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the LSC, Stephen Gardner, the director of apprenticeships, has confirmed that apprenticeship schemes can benefit a business because they offer productivity enhancements and facilitate staff retention.
Figures released by the LSC show that out of every five employers, four believe that apprenticeship schemes lower their employee turnover levels. Indeed, prime minister Gordon Brown is currently calling for an increase in the number of apprenticeship schemes across the country.
"Employers who are prepared to invest a modest amount of time to put in place an effective apprenticeship programme are repaid many times over by the contributions that those young people and adults who take apprenticeships make back to the business," said Mr Gardner.
Government data shows that apprenticeship numbers from 1997 to 2007 have increased to 250,000 from a lower level of 75,000.