MP: Region needs more apprentices
BIRMINGHAM business leaders today welcomed calls by Minister for the West Midlands Liam Byrne for 8,000 new apprenticeships in the region.
John Lamb, of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the move could help the region overcome skill shortages.
"There are skill shortages in the region and, clearly, any form of training, including apprenticeships, will help towards that," he said.
"We would welcome any initiative that attempts to fill the skills gap."
Mr Byrne called for a 20 per cent increase in young people taking up apprenticeships by 2010 during a visit to BMW's engine plant at Hams Hall.