Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, has called on the Government to promote and encourage Modern Apprenticeships as alternative career paths for young people.
He called attention to the high number of University students who have found themselves in debt after graduating. A study published earlier this year by Unite revealed the number of students in debt had increased to 75 per cent – an 8 per cent rise from 2006. Mr Fraser also said that competition for graduate jobs had become extremely tough. Speaking afterwards, he said:
“More students than ever before are applying to full-time undergraduate courses. Of course, widening University participation is good for both students and the country as a whole. However, I want more emphasis put on modern apprenticeships as a real alternative for those who may feel University is not for them. Modern apprenticeships can help many young people gain practical skills and high quality training without allowing them to fall into serious debt, as we have seen with students at University. Apprenticeships provide young people with a secure career path to follow, and the opportunities for progression can be huge. I want to ensure that there is ample opportunity for young people in Norfolk to undertake modern apprenticeships if they so choose, so that students in my constituency and across East Anglia feel confident that they can explore a wide-range of career paths.” |