Apprenticeship growth gives Dover a boost

Dover has more than doubled the number of apprenticeship starts in the constituency during the past five years. Statistics recently released by Government show that over 900 apprentices started work in the Dover constituency in 2014/15.

This growth looks set to continue, with more than 270 new starts in the first few months of the 2015/16 academic year.

Apprenticeships have become a key ambition of Government over the past few years, with a pledge to create three million by 2020. Dover District Council has been working hard to ensure that apprenticeships are being offered to suit the local economy's needs.

Cllr Keith Morris, portfolio holder for skills and training, Dover District Council, said: "This is great news and shows how young people are playing an important role in local regeneration by gaining key skills in the workplace."

One provider which has seen growth in apprenticeship delivery is East Kent College. Its Principal Graham Razey said the College would be aiming for even higher numbers in the future.

He said: "The College has already grown the number of apprenticeships we're delivering for Dover by 300 per cent this year, and we're targeting higher numbers for the next academic year. It's great to play a part in Dover's success story."

For more information on skills, training and apprenticeships, visit the Skills4Dover website at www.skills4dover.co.uk.