THE number of people starting an apprenticeship in the borough has risen by more than 100 per cent in the past two years according to the latest Government figures.

In the 2011-12 financial year, 1,020 people took up an apprenticeship scheme in Basingstoke and Deane.

This was an increase of 12 per cent from the year before, and a 100 per cent rise from 2009-10, when there were 510 people registered on apprenticeship courses.

The data was released by the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The figures were welcomed by Basingstoke MP and Culture Secretary Maria Miller while visiting automotive apprentices at Basingstoke College of Technology, in Worting Road.

“It is fantastic that 1,020 people in Basingstoke started an apprenticeship last year. Apprenticeships are a great way to help people get the skills they need to make a better future for themselves,” said Mrs Miller.

BCoT is a top-performing college, delivering a wide range of apprenticeships, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for people in Basingstoke to have the chance to earn and learn at the same time.”