Marking the start of Apprenticeship week, the Government has increased the National budget to over £1.4billion for Apprenticeships in 2011-2012.

The move signals a change in values where an apprenticeship is no longer seen as a poorer alternative to academic study.

Interestingly the results of a recent poll of 500 employers found that many would rather take on an apprentice than a graduate. This has followed a recent ICM Omnibus poll that noted that 46% of young people agree that rising tuition fee costs would make them more likely to consider apprenticeships.

Speaking on the subject, Business Secretary Vince Cable has urged small businesses to follow the lead of Microsoft, McDonalds and Virgin Media and introduce more apprenticeships over the coming year.

"Investment in training the next generation of highly skilled workers is key to sustainable economic growth." He claimed.