Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North & Fleetwood has welcomed the announcement by Government of extra investment to boost skills levels and expand the number of apprenticeships. The Government will provide funding for over 400,000 apprenticeship places for young people and adults across England by 2010/11.

There will also be extra funding for further education colleges and to give young adults greater access to advice and skills training. Investment in work based skills training will be doubled with a big expansion of the "Train to Gain" programme.

After the announcement Mrs Humble said;

"For many people, skills and learning are the key to improving their lives - whether getting into work or getting on at work or simply putting more money into their pockets.

So, I welcome the Government’s pledge to increase the number of apprenticeship places over the next three years and also to give adults a right to basic skills training where needed".