Dan Watkins has welcomed new figures showing 1,450 new apprenticeships were started by people in Tooting between April 2010 and January 2015.
This means more young people are building the skills they need to get on in life and make the most of their talents – as they do locally at organisations such as South Thames College.
Across England over 2.2 million apprenticeships have been started since 2010.
A future Conservative government would go even further, committing to deliver 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, funded by reducing the maximum amount that can be claimed on benefits from £26,000 to £23,000, and limiting young people’s access to housing benefit.
Dan Watkins said:
“These figures are fantastic news, and represent a 3-fold increase in Tooting apprenticeships since the Conservatives came to power in 2010. No wonder that youth unemployment in our area has halved.
“We are putting apprenticeships at the heart of our long-term economic plan, funding more of them and making sure they are high quality, teaching the skills that businesses need. A future Conservative government would build on the great progress we have already made, committing to deliver 3 million more apprenticeships by 2020 and effectively to end youth unemployment.
“We are giving young people proper training and the prospect of a better future. Millions of young people are getting a good start in life, learning a trade, and knowing the purpose and pride that comes with that.”