Government in apprenticeship drive - graduate jobs

The Government could boost graduates' job prospects by encouraging banks to offer more apprenticeships to young people.

Skills minister John Hayes is due to meet banks to discuss the proposals, following up the coalition Government's policy to increase the number of apprenticeships on offer.

Earlier in the Commons, the Tory MP for Bromsgrove Sajid Javid said: "British banks employ hundreds of thousands of people and many of them are hard-working young people.

"Do you agree with me that it would be a fantastic achievement to see an apprentice in every branch of every high street bank and what could you do, if you agree with me, to help achieve this?"

Mr Hayes replied: "Just this week, I will be meeting banks to discuss exactly what you propose. It is absolutely right that apprenticeships are seen as a route into professions and we will make them just that."

The Prime Minister David Cameron said last year that business will be able to bid for a share of £250 million in funding to help apprenticeships. Firms must demonstrate the value of their apprenticeship scheme before they can claim the cash.