Record numbers of people starting apprenticeships
A record 234,000 people started apprenticeships in the 2008-09 academic
year, according to provisional data on vocational qualifications released
by the ONS. Statistics also showed 126,900 people completed apprenticeships
during the same period, representing the highest number of starts and
completions ever in an academic year.
This statistical first release covers the number of people aged 16 and over
who aren’t in school or university in England and who have taken a
course funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
Skills Minister Kevin Brennan said, “It’s great news that the
number of people starting and completing an apprenticeship is at the
highest ever, and that over a million people have taken a course to improve
their literacy and numeracy skills this year. Behind these figures are real
people with brighter futures, greater self-confidence and better career
prospects ahead.
“We need to keep on helping people access the training and
skills they need to get work and to get on at work, and to be able to seize
the opportunities that growth will bring.”
Local crime figures at the touch of a button
A new interactive national map gives you access to local crime statistics
and neighbourhood policing details in your area.
The online map allow residents to view figures for all
crime as well as burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime and
anti-social behaviour in their area at the touch of a button.
For the first time people can compare one police area with another, compare
figures over a three-month period against the same period for the previous
year and see annual crime rates.
Homes and
Communities Agency provides £51m for new homes
The announcement is part of the second wave of schemes in the Kickstart
Programme. Housing Minister, John Healey, made the announcement,
revealing that a further 2000 new homes will be built on sites that had
previously stalled due to the economic downturn.
Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency said:
“This latest Kickstart money combined with funding through our
standard affordable housing programme puts us in an ever stronger position
for delivery of much needed new homes.
“As a result, thousands more people will have a new quality home at a
rent they can afford, or will be helped to take the first steps into home
ownership.”
The successful schemes include Kalamazoo in Birmingham, a former print
works that is set to receive £1.7 million in funding to help build 50
more homes and The Grange in Bowburn, County Durham, which will receive
over £3.3 million to deliver 80 homes, of which 49 will be
affordable, including 10 bungalows for the Durham Aged Mineworkers
Association (DAMHA).
