CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed new figures showing 3,780 new apprenticeships have been started by people in his constituency since 2010.

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

Mr Stride said: ’Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn important skills and gain valuable experience and I have met with dozens of businesses across my constituency who have benefited hugely from the enthusiasm and determination of new apprentices.

’Getting on in the world of work is not all about universities and academic qualifications - it is often also about the practical application of knowledge and skills, many of which can most effectively be honed on the job. I’m looking forward to the number of apprenticeship starts in Central Devon since I became an MP reach 4,000 sometime in 2016.’

With 85% of apprentices staying in employment after their training ends and with two thirds acquiring work with the same employer, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular way to transition from education to employment.