GORDON HENDERSON MP

15th August 2012
A massive boost to skills in Sittingbourne & Sheppey

Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne & Sheppey, has welcomed the Government’s comprehensive plan to help people gain better skills to improve their chances of getting a job.

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.

Mr Henderson said:

“The Coalition Government has delivered a massive boost to skills. More people are starting an apprenticeship than ever before, thousands now have the opportunity to do an apprenticeship to degree level, and we finally have a Careers Service that can meet the needs of young people and adults alike.

“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.

“Of course, there is much more that ministers can do to help young people and adults in Sittingbourne and Sheppey take advantage of the fantastic opportunities to gain new skills which are now available to them, but at least this is a step in the right direction.”