The number of young people successfully completing apprenticeships has risen by 29%, according to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Latest figures from work-based learning providers and colleges for the academic year 2004/05 showed that 67,000 learners achieved their Apprenticeship Framework Certificate - 15,000 more than in the previous academic year.

There was also a record number – 176,900 – of young people aged 16-21 starting an apprenticeship in the same period. This figure meets the target of 28% of young people starting an Apprenticeship for the first time during 2004/05.

Stephen Gardner, Director of Work Based Learning at the LSC said: “The achievement of the starts target is not just great news for young people and employers, but also the wider UK economy, as apprenticeships are vital to combating existing skill shortages and ensuring we have a future workforce to match our global competitors."

Acording to the LSC, 43,000 of those who completed an apprenticeship were also recruited. This included those over the age of 21 or those starting on an Advanced Apprenticeship. Forty per cent of learners who left the Apprenticeship programme achieved an Apprenticeship framework with an additional 20,000 achieving a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).