SWINDON is leading the way with encouraging youngsters to sign up for apprenticeships – despite the Prime Minister’s calls for more to be done.

Earlier this week, David Cameron said despite massive investments in apprenticeship programmes, teachers needed to do more to make youngsters aware of their options.

He said much of the reason students were not opting to study apprenticeships is their university-educated teachers were not encouraging enough of them through their careers advice, and said businesses were missing out as a result.

But here in Swindon, with numerous non-academic courses available at colleges and schools around the town, there is already a great level of support to help children maximise their career prospects.

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “We have invested heavily in the apprenticeship programme as it’s vital to the economy that we equip young people with the tangible life skills that the local employers need.

“In 2010 there were two million more apprentices and in Swindon we have over 7,000 young people sign up for apprenticeships.

“As a former employer I know first hand what a difference an apprenticeship can make and I urge all parents, employers, teachers and local businesses to encourage young people to consider the opportunities apprenticeships can offer them.”

New College is one of the provisions around the town that offers a range of apprenticeships options for youngsters.

Paula Kimmel, fast forward manager at New College said: “At New College, the apprenticeship scheme is promoted across the college via our progression days.

“Personal tutors are also extremely proactive in directing those students who are finding their time at college challenging, up to the apprenticeship team. We work closely with students to help them continue their study whilst they wait for a relevant apprenticeship vacancy to become available.”

Graham Taylor, principal of New College, said that the college works hard to provide youngsters with the careers advice they need to help them make decisions when it came to considering an apprenticeship.

Mr Cameron’s remarks came in the wake of education watchdog Ofsted’s chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw’s pledge to toughen penalties against schools which failed to provide adequate careers advice for pupils.

Mr Cameron said: “So often when I meet apprentices and I ask ‘how did you hear about the apprenticeships’ they say ‘well, I found it online’ or ‘I knew a family friend’ or ‘I knew the business because it was nearby’.

“I don’t get the answer enough: ‘I was told at school about the apprenticeship pathways as well as the university pathway’.’’