Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Government’s comprehensive plan to help people gain better skills and improve their chances of getting a well-paid job.

Henry said:

“Conservatives in Government have delivered a massive boost to skills. Our town has benefitted from a 74% rise in Apprenticeships over the last year and the introduction of a university a presence in Crawley through Central Sussex College. Those currently studying at Central Sussex College and doing apprenticeships are gaining the important skills that will help to increase their employability for the future. I hope this will mean that as new jobs are created in our town, they can be filled by these skilled local residents. 

“By introducing a system of advanced learning loans which are paid back when learners are in well-paid work, the Government has ensured more people can access high quality further education.

“I urge Ministers to do even more and I hope local young people and adults take advantage of the fantastic opportunities to gain new skills which are now available to them.” 

In recent months, the Government has:

• Confirmed a huge 63 per cent increase in the number of people starting an apprenticeship in the Coalition’s first year.
• Set out plans for advanced learning loans to fund further education for those aged 24 and over, which will only be repaid when the learner has found well-paid work.
• Launched the first ever all-age National Careers Service, helping young people and adults find the right jobs for them.
• Announced 25,000 Higher Apprenticeships, giving people the chance to acquire skills up to degree level.
• Set up the first Community Learning Trusts to boost the number of adults in learning.