"Trade training is tailor made"
• In a letter to The Independent, businessmen from firms including BT, Nissan UK and BAE Systems argued: "Now is the time to invest in apprenticeships." This followed a speech from Prime Minister David Cameron during the Conservative party conference, in which he called for businesses to "give us the apprenticeships we need".

"Engineering Graduates Working in Non-Skilled Jobs Should Consider Apprenticeship Schemes, Advises Perspective"
• In a recent MarketWatch article, research has found that pprenticeship schemes from day one, equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to progress well within a chosen occupation which in turn enhances their motivation and efficiency at work. Evidence has shown that apprentices make fewer mistakes once qualified and complete tasks correctly on their first attempt 80% of the time - this is compared to just 60% of external recruits.

"A worker's view of an engineering apprenticeship"
• One apprentice shares his experiences and advantages of his time spent learning from professional tradesmen. "The great thing about this job is that I'm using electronics one minute, plumbing the next and then refrigeration engineering skills. Every day is different – I can be fixing a refrigerator one day and doing copper pipe work the following day."

"Apprenticeships rise by a half, data shows"
• According to a recent BBC article, the number of people starting apprenticeships in England this year has risen by more than 50% on last year, official figures show. Business Secretary Vince Cable said he was pleased that industries such as construction, manufacturing and engineering were continuing to offer apprenticeships despite tough economic times.

"As unemployment hits 1m, It's time to ditch degrees in favour of apprenticeships... We're just too snobbish to admit it"
• As for youth unemployment, the government is clearly pinning its hopes on more employers offering apprenticeships to get the economy going again. By 2014-15, the coalition wants to see 400,000 apprenticeships start every year in the UK – up from last year's figure of 279,900.

"New book says apprentices can grow UK economy"
• A new book on apprenticeships by The Association of Colleges and leading think-tank IPPR advocates apprenticeships as the best way to grow the UK economy."