THE number of people starting apprenticeships in Brighton and Hove has risen by 19 per cent.

New figures from the Skills Funding Agency show 1,560 apprentices began in the 2015/16 academic year compared to 1,310 in 2014/15.

The city is bucking the trend as in the south east there has been a decrease from 65,030 to 64,690.

The Lewes district has seen an increase of 17 per cent, East Sussex is up to 9.5 percent, West Sussex has risen by six per cent, but Worthing has fallen by seven per cent.

Councillor Tom Bewick, chairman of the city council's children, young people and skills committee, said: "Apprenticeships can offer an alternative to university and higher education without fees which gives young people more opportunities to continue their education.

"We are very proud of and value the young apprentices we work alongside at the council.

"The news of this positive trend in apprentice numbers will help develop our local workforce and shows the range of options open to young people in the city.

"We are also pleased to see this increase as it is in line with our ongoing commitment to see 1,000 apprentices employed within 1,000 days in Brighton and Hove.”

As paid employees, apprentices earn a wage and learn on the job. They go to college and work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Many employers see apprentices as the best way of growing their business with loyal and qualified employees.

Anyone aged over 16 can apply, whether unemployed, leaving school, already in work or wanting to start a new career.

In March this year employers were challenged to create at least 1,000 new apprenticeships in 1,000 days as part of a bid to reverse the city’s previously poor record.

The numbers had hit a five-year low and businesses were citing a lack of skills as a factor holding back growth.

The Employment Skills Task Force was founded by the city's Labour council to halt this decline.

The task force revealed a series of recommendations aimed at boosting numbers and improving skills, with its chairman, Sussex cricket boss Zac Toumazi making a call to action to businesses to lead by example.

For more information visit apprenticeambassadors.blogspot.co.uk/