Titchmarsh backs budding gardeners

Oldham Council must raise its game and recruit more apprentices to deal with rising unemployment and joblessness, the Government has warned.

According to Government information, Oldham has one apprenticeship per 265 employees, lower than the national average of 1 per 248 but significantly better than the North-West average of 1 to 479.

Communities Secretary John Denham wants other councils to up their game to create an extra 3,000 apprentices.

Mr Denham said: “Our snapshot findings shows top councils are creating one apprenticeship for every 65 employees, the average is one per 248 employees.

But almost 60 per cent of councils are doing worse than this and just under a quarter are doing nothing to up their numbers at all.”

The Government has promised to increase public sector apprenticeships by 21,000 to tackle the number of young people not in education, training or employment — currently one in every 20 — the highest number in a decade.

Mr Denham said if the worst performing councils raised their take up of apprentices to the national average it would create an extra 3,000 more apprenticeships.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Government also announced £8,000 will be given to Oldham council to take on two horticulture apprenticeships.

Mr Denham added: “We cannot be complacent on the back of a recession, we are backing young Britain and making every effort to help start young careers through apprenticeships.

“Councils should be making use of the Government funding available to help people now — when they need it.

“This apprenticeship scheme will start cultivating a new generation of green-fingered apprentices, giving them the skills to grow careers and take care of our parks and gardens — essential parts of any community, especially as we strive to safeguard our environment and health.”

Adding his support for the scheme is TV personality Alan Titchmarsh, himself a former apprentice.

He said: “As a former green apprentice myself I believe the practical skills provided by these apprenticeships are just as important as university degrees.

“This country needs a new generation of gardeners and I’m delighted more budding horticulturists will soon be able to sign up to this popular scheme.”