Apprentices go national; Government minister praises Knowsley scheme.

Byline: LAURA SHARPE

AN "APPRENTICE" gover nment minister who has only been in the job eight days said he wanted the UK to follow in Knowsley's footsteps.

Iain Wright, Parliamentary undersecretary of state for 14-19 year-old Refor m and Apprenticeships, said the borough's apprentice scheme was at the for efront of educational r efor m.

Mr Wright said: "We can learn lessons from Knowsley, which is at the forefront of making apprenticeships work.

"Recruiting 100 apprentices in 100 days sounds ridiculous, but proved successful, and I now want to take the experiences I have seen here and roll them out across the country so young people in different areas can benefit as well." The MP for Hartlepool made his comments during a visit to Knowsley's second new centre for learning, in Halewood.

He met with the leader of the council, Cllr Ron Round, and heard about the Knowsley Apprentice Scheme.

Now in its second year, the scheme -which has been backed by former Apprentice star Ruth Badger - offers three-year apprenticeships with local businesses.

Mr Wright said apprentice schemes taught skills to individuals and provided the skills businesses needed in the 21st century..

Speaking in front of some of the borough's apprentices, he said: "I'm eight days into the job so I'm an apprentice as well." He said apprentices were needed more than ever in the current economic downturn, and said that the Labour gover nment would not let down young people seeking work..

He said: "GCSEs and A Levels are still important, but we want young people to have different opportunities, be that college, or the diploma or an apprentice scheme, so they can find the learning that's best for them." Natalie, 20, who took up an apprenticeship with GKB chartered accountants said: "It's a great job because I was stuck in a rut at college.

"I would never have thought about accountancy before, but now I'm on the training ladder." Her employer, Gavin Butterworth, said Natalie had helped his business grow, and he was keen to recruit a new apprentice this year..you us with views at co. uk, write to us the address Page 8

CAPTION(S):

From left, Ann Behan, Halewood Learning Centre Principal; Iain Wright; Cllr Graham Wright; and Damien Allen, Director of children's services in Knowsley Picture: GEOFF ROBERTS