APPRENTICESHIPS

That this House notes with concern that there are almost one million people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs) in the UK; welcomes the fact that 69 per cent. of apprenticeships take place in small firms; believes that an increase in apprenticeships could help reduce the number of NEETs; recognises that during this difficult economic time small businesses should be encouraged to take on young people; and calls on the Government to put into place measures proposed by the Federation of Small Businesses to ensure more businesses can take on an apprentice.