1,000 apprenticeships promised for public sector

Over the next year the Government plans to place over 1,000 apprentices in central government organisations. This is twice the number that was promised at the start of the year.

Already more than 100 apprentices have started work in the civil service. UK Borders Agency has committed to taking on 180 and the Ministry of Justice will take a further 350.

Denham said: "The public sector has not kept pace with other employers in embracing the opportunities offered by apprenticeships. It is essential we now match this growth. Public-sector apprenticeships are going to be even more important in the current economic climate and they offer a key opportunity to enable young people and adults to reach their potential and help us see through the current difficulties."

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said: "These apprenticeships will provide a welcome new route into work for the thousands of people looking to cut their teeth in the public sector. Boosting skills and employment are just the sorts of measures needed to steer us through this economic downturn."

He added: "We hope the leadership the public sector has shown towards equality will mean this new generation of public-sector apprentices are well trained, decently paid and reflect the diversity of the people they serve."