NEW figures showing nearly 5,000 new apprenticeships have been started by people in West Devon and Torridge have been welcomed by the MP for the constituency.

Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, has welcomed the news that 4,930 new apprenticeships have been started by people in the constituency since 2010. This means more young people are earning and learning and getting the skills they need for a successful and secure future.

This local growth in apprenticeships has been part of a wider increase, with 280,450 started in the South West since May 2010 and more than 2.6-million new apprenticeships across England.

Mr Cox said the figures also show progress towards the Conservatives’ commitment to deliver three million more apprenticeships by 2020 — with 268,000 already started in this parliament.

He said: ’These figures are fantastic news. The 4,930 new apprenticeships started locally since 2010 means more young people in Torridge and West Devon getting the skills to get on in life and do well.

’Apprenticeships have been a core part of our plan to deliver a more secure future for young people, which is why we committed to deliver three million more high quality apprenticeships by 2020 — with these figures confirming we are already making progress towards that.

’By delivering this we will ensure more young people are earning and learning, with the prospect of a good job and a more secure future ahead of them.’