Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath, has welcomed the Conservative Government’s major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, benefitting local small businesses across Surrey Heath.
Backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, this means that the Conservative Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21 – reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career.
The Conservative Government will also increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses – from 25 per cent of their unused Levy to 50 per cent. Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities our young people deserve.
However, Michael has warned this would all be at risk under a Labour Government – taking us back to square one with 280 apprenticeships at risk of being cut in Surrey Heath due to Labour proposals.
The choice is clear. We can stick with the plan that is working as the under Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives, which is creating more opportunities for our young people to gain the skills they need to succeed in life so they can build a brighter future. Or we can go back to square one with Sir Keir Starmer and Labour, who can’t say what they’d do to boost apprenticeships because they don’t have a plan – taking us back to square one.
Commenting, Michael said:
“In the past year we have seen 560 young people in Surrey Heath start an apprenticeship, and many more since 2010, meaning thousands more young people have gained the skills they need to secure good jobs.
“All of this would be at risk under Labour, whose proposals mean that 280 apprenticeships in Surrey Heath would be cut, taking away vital opportunities for our young people.
“Labour cannot say how they would support young people because they do not have a plan, taking us back to square one. Only by sticking with the plan under Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives can we create a brighter future for all.”
Commenting, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“Growing up in my mum’s pharmacy, I know first-hand how important small businesses are. Not just for the economy, but as a driver for innovation and aspiration, and as the key to building a society where hard work is always recognised and rewarded.
“Whether it’s breaking down barriers and red tape for small businesses, helping businesses hire more young people into apprenticeships and skilled jobs or empowering women to start up their own businesses – this government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business.
“Taken together, these measures will unlock a tidal wave of opportunity and make a real difference to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.”
Commenting, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:
“This Government has built a world-leading apprenticeship system from the ground-up – with apprenticeship opportunities in almost 70 per cent of all occupations across the whole country.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for businesses to develop the skills they need, and for young people to access exciting career opportunities.
“Our plan to deliver a high-growth, high-skilled economy is working, with more opportunities available to young people than ever before.”
