ROCKETING numbers of apprenticeships in Worcestershire have been hailed as phenomenal by a county MP.

Robin Walker, who represents Worcester, said a 118 per cent surge in apprentices in the county will help tip youth unemployment in the right direction.

As your Worcester News revealed on Saturday, the number of young people getting onto the schemes hit 5,670 last year – up from 2,590 in 2011. This comes amid a backdrop of unemployment falling slightly in Worcestershire, down by 65 to 2,265 for those claiming out of work benefits.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership wants to see 7,000 apprenticeships by the end of the year and it has appealed for more companies to help out.

Mr Walker said: “The figures are phenomenal and absolutely what we all want to hear.

“This shows schemes like those by the city council are working and if we can reach 7,000, it would be brilliant.

“It’s positive news to see such a large rise and I am glad employers are seeing apprenticeships as the right move. What it will also do is help youth unemployment, which is tipping in the right direction, although obviously I’d like it to be lower.

“I’m keen for it to keep falling and hopefully this will help that.”

The figures follow a city council scheme to offer £1,000 grants to small companies which take on apprentices.

Also playing a part in the boost was last year’s Worcester News 100 in 100 campaign, which smashed all predictions, eventually seeing 214 people finding work with 145 employers.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, deputy city leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: “Apprentices are very keen to work hard and get on and it’s good to see employers taking these people on.

“When we took on six apprentices at this council it was the first time in a number of years that had happened.

“It’s good for people looking to find work and for businesses.”