Tuesday, 02 February 2010 19:35 Britain's retailers have announced thousands more Apprenticeship places for their employees.

As part of Apprenticeship Week, retailers including Morrisons, B&Q and Clinton Cards have revealed increased support for the programme.

Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council, welcomed the announcements as a mark of success for Apprenticeships, which it helped develop with retail employers and awarding organisations.Anne Seaman, chief executive of Skillsmart Retail, said it was yet more proof that the programme works for business across all parts of the retail sector."

The framework that we developed helps businesses give their staff the skills that they need to excel, but also offers them the flexibility to customise it to their specific business needs," said Ms Seaman.

"I am delighted that the positive impact on business has been recognised by our retailers and I am sure that this will only increase as they see the benefits that Apprenticeships bring."

Morrisons, the UK's fourth-biggest supermarket, revealed 5,500 employees have signed up to its programme. DIY chain B&Q doubled its intake to 300, and Clinton Cards, the gifts specialist, pledged to offer Apprenticeships in 700 of its stores.

The programme is already operated in many other retailers, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Bhs, and many independent stores.

Jason Rainbow