There have been a record number of entries to the Apprenticeship Awards, according to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The LSC announced that this year has seen a 40% increase in entries, up 400 entrants on last year, for the fifth national apprenticeship awards.

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) plans to grow the number of Apprenticeships to at least 400,000 by 2020.

David Lammy, MP, minister for skills, said: "The expansion of the apprenticeships programme is absolutely key to this government's effort to equip people with the skills and qualifications that count - and will ensure employers have ready access to the enthusiastic and talented people they need to help them grow. I would not be where I am today without the help and support I got from the people I worked for – and it is these life skills that are the ethos of apprenticeships.”