The government has announced plans to provide a £25m fund to support up to 10,000 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, IT and engineering.

While visiting Jaguar Land Rover in the Midlands, Prime Minister David Cameron today announced details of the Higher Apprenticeships Fund, which would support expansion of apprenticeships up to degree equivalent in companies, particularly SMEs where there is unmet demand for the higher level skills.

Industry representatives are invited to bid to the fund, delivered via the National Apprenticeship Service, from today. The new apprenticeships will begin in October.

The Prime Minister 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.”