Graham Hoyle, Chief Executive, commented: "We"re greatly encouraged that Apprenticeships as an option after taking GCSE's are being increasingly promoted as a high quality choice. For some time now, young people with good exam results and employers have switched on to the mutual benefits that Apprenticeships offer".

Noting the situation where many parents still feel only academic studies can secure a successful path to the future, Mr Hoyle points out the facts: "Unfortunately there have been parents, teachers and many in the educational establishment who have felt that only academic routes offer further learning of a high quality.

"This picture is changing fast in the light of young people voting with their feet, i.e. they are choosing an option which offers them pay, a contract of employment within a proper job and prospects of further and higher education as well as skills training".

And looking to the future, he added: "The challenge is to ensure that there are a sufficient number of places to meet demand for Apprenticeships across both the manufacturing and service sectors. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have responded positively to the recent concerns of ALP's members about the need for more resources to be directed towards the programme.

"Apprenticeships have to be high on the Department's shopping list when it submits its bid to the Treasury for next year's crucial Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and we hope that Lord Leitch in his Review of Skills backs us in this regard, because the programme is fundamental to improving Britain's global competitiveness".

Vijay Pattni.