Gene Spencer-Salmon is one of a record number of young people who are pursuing apprenticeships in Haringey this year. Lynne Featherstone MP met with the Haringey Adult Learning Services apprentice on Friday to hear about his experiences and to highlight the rise in the number of apprenticeships.

Gene, who lives in Hornsey, won a place on a scheme working with Haringey Adult Learning Service. The 18 year old apprentice had been looking for work but had not been able to find a job because of his lack of work experience. His place on the nine-month long scheme will give him experience of a wide range of tasks at the service which is based at Wood Green Library.

New figures reveal that record numbers of young people are benefitting from apprenticeships. More than 1,200 people started apprenticeships across Haringey in the year 2010/11.

The Government is providing extra help to enable small employers to hire their first apprentices. It will also continue to develop new advanced and higher-level apprenticeships to deliver the world-class skills that people need to get ahead.

Lynne Featherstone MP commented:

“Gene’s experience shows how investment in apprenticeships can provide great opportunities for young people who are looking for work. Apprenticeships equip young people with the skills needed to get jobs and build prosperous careers.

“470 apprenticeships started up in Hornsey and Wood Green alone in the Government’s first year in office. That’s compared to 160 in the year before. Early figures for the current year indicate that the numbers are continuing to grow.

“Liberal Democrats have long been fighting for more investment in apprenticeships, in opposition and in Government, and I am delighted that Business Secretary Vince Cable has been able to deliver such a big increase in schemes that will make a huge difference to young people’s lives.”