THE number of young people in an East Lancashire borough taking up apprenticeships has surged.

Recently published official data showed 560 people from Pendle starting an apprenticeship during 2022 – a 12 per cent increase from the year before.

The rise outpaces the growth in the number of apprenticeship starts across England (8.6 per cent) and the North West (9.8per cent).

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has hailed this significant jump to make the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 which runs until Sunday.

Nelson and Colne College are hosting an Apprenticeship Open Event on Tuesday February 7 from 5.30pm.

Government whip Mr Stephenson said, “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I am hugely encouraged to see a 12 per cent increase in apprenticeship starts by Pendle residents in 2022.

“Numbers fell during the pandemic but we’re seeing a strong recovery, as more people look to learn new skills and get started on a rewarding career.

"I hope we’ll see even more apprenticeship starts in 2023.

“Apprenticeships are up more in Pendle than elsewhere, and that’s in large part because we have excellent apprenticeship providers such as Nelson and Colne College and brilliant local companies that offer apprenticeships.

"Lancashire Adult Learning has relocated to Pendle, and it is important to remember apprenticeships can help kickstart a career change for experienced workers too.”