PM announces new work training schemes for young people and a new era of apprenticeships

Prime Minister David Cameron told young people: "We’re going to make sure you do the best apprenticeship in the world. The reforms we’re announcing today will put employers in the driving seat and ensure that we deliver high quality training that supports you and our economy for years to come. And as the range of companies signed up today shows, these are apprenticeships in different industries and sectors meaning people have a real choice about the career they want and our economy is balanced."

Steve Radley, Director of Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, added: "Today’s announcement on implementing the Richard Review is a real game-changer. Putting employers at the heart of designing and developing apprenticeship standards, will finally ensure apprenticeships are relevant to industry’s and learners' needs.

"Some of our largest manufacturers, backed with substantial support from SMEs, are geared up to lead the charge to deliver robust, rigorous and responsive new standards for apprenticeships.

"Moreover, the collaborations showcased today lay the foundation for the creation of sector-led Industrial Partnerships, with employers taking end-to-end responsibility and ownership of the skills agenda."