The government has announced a £25m fund to suppport 10,000 advanced and higher apprenticeships.

The Higher Apprenticeships Fund will support the expansion of apprenticeships in industries that have an unmet demand in skills such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and engineering.

Funding for the apprenticeships, which will start from October 2011, will be delivered through the National Apprenticeship Service.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I am determined that this government should be the most pro-business there has been, with one purpose and one goal: creating jobs and growth.

"It is therefore crucial that we build up the skills in this country that our businesses need and that will fuel long term growth. That is why despite some difficult decisions on spending we are increasing the number of apprenticeships to record levels.

"We are investing in apprenticeships because we know they work - they are good for people who want to get ahead, good for business and good for the country."

Skills Minister John Hayes added: "The Government is on track to deliver the biggest and best apprenticeships programme our country has ever seen. But we’re determined to do more to give smaller firms, especially in high skill industries, the help they need to reap the benefits of world class training.  With every £1 the Government spends on an apprenticeship delivering a return of some £40 to the wider economy, this fund is a sound investment in the country's future."