THE number of apprenticeship vacancies in Blackburn with Darwen has doubled, the latest official statistics show.

Skill minister Nick Boles hailed the figures as evidence that the borough’s employers were backing the government’s drive to get people into ‘earn as you learn’ training in advance of March’s National Apprenticeship Week.

The data released reveals a 100 per cent increase in apprenticeship vacancies in Blackburn with Darwen posted online on the apprenticeship vacancies website between August and October 2014 compared to the same period the previous year.

The National Apprenticeship Index compiled by government statisticians revealed that 180 vacancies were advertised over the three months versus 90 in 2013/14.

This is in addition to many more opportunities offered by employers to young people directly. Nationally, the greatest number of online vacancies overall was for business, administration and law apprenticeships, whilst health, public services and care apprenticeships saw the biggest rise in vacancies year-on-year.

There were also noticeable rises in the number of apprenticeship vacancies within the vital STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields.

Apprenticeship vacancies advertised online in engineering and manufacturing technologies and information and communication technology both recorded a 23 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Mr Boles said: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of the government’s drive to equip people with the skills employers want and need.

“We want it to become the new norm for people to choose between an apprenticeship or university as equally prestigious routes to a great career.

“That is why it’s so encouraging to see even more excellent apprenticeship opportunities available in Blackburn with Darwen and across the country.”

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “It is welcome news that apprenticeship numbers are so high.

“Training and education for young people is vital.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2015 runs from March 9 to 13.