Michael Fabricant has welcomed the steady rise of apprenticeships in the Lichfield constituency. “From 480 in 2009 under the last Government, it has risen to 860 apprentices in the Lichfield and Burntwood constituency in 2012 and a similar amount this year.” says Michael.

“Having been a Chartered Engineer and been conscious of a national skills shortage, this is good news for the apprentices who are likely to secure good full-time jobs and for our national economy. Practical experience in work is an important commodity.”

The number of apprentices in various disciplines for the period 2012/2013 in the Lichfield area were:-

Business Administration and Law 290

Retail and Commercial Enterprise 180

Health, Public Services, and Care 160

Engineering & Manufacturing Technology 110

Information & Communication Tech 30

Construction, Planning and Built Environm’t 20

Leisure, Travel and Tourism 20

Education and Training 10

Michael adds “As a Chartered Engineer, I’m pleased to note that 160 apprenticeships are in manufacturing, construction and computing though I would like to see more.”