The British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a £25m fund to support up to 10,000 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships in sectors such as engineering, advanced manufacturing and information technology. The Higher Apprenticeships Fund will support the expansion of apprenticeships up to degree equivalent in companies, especially SMEs, needing higher-level skills.

“It is crucial that we build up the skills that our businesses need and that will fuel long-term growth,” Cameron said during a visit to Jaguar Land Rover (shown above). “That is why, despite some difficult decisions on spending, we are increasing the number of apprenticeships to record levels.

"We are investing in apprenticeships because we know they work,” he added. “They are good for people who want to get ahead, good for business and good for the country.”

The £25m fund is part of a £180m package of investment in apprenticeships announced in this year’s Budget. The Government is committed to funding around 360,000 apprenticeships in the current financial year. The new apprenticeships will start from October 2011.

According to skills minister, John Hayes, “the Government is on track to deliver the biggest and best apprenticeships programme our country has ever seen. But we’re determined to do more to give smaller firms – especially in high-skill industries – the help they need to reap the benefits of world-class training.

“With every £1 the Government spends on an apprenticeship delivering a return of some £40 to the wider economy,” he added, “this fund is a sound investment in the country`s future."