THE MP for Central Devon has welcomed new annual figures that show more businesses in the constituency are taking on apprentices. Data released for Central Devon, which includes Okehampton and the surrounding area, shows nearly 500 businesses employed one or more apprentices in the 2012/13 financial year — a 9% increase compared with 2011/12 and 14% increase compared to 2010/2011. MP Mel Stride said: 'Apprenticeships are an excellent route to developing the skills and gaining the experience young people need to embark on a successful career and I applaud the increasing numbers of businesses in my constituency offering apprenticeship opportunities. 'Many small businesses I visit are initially worried about the additional admin that comes with taking on an apprentice but when they go for it, actually find out managing an apprentice is far simpler than they thought.'