A WHARFEDALE MP has praised local businesses for backing apprenticeship schemes.

New figures show that 350 apprenticeships were created across Greg Mulholland's (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) constituency in the last year.

The government statistics also reveal that 2,960 apprenticeships in total have now been started in the area since 2010.

Mr Mulholland said: "It is fantastic news that 350 apprenticeships have been created across Leeds North West since last August.

"I want to praise local businesses who have hired these apprentices and thank them for investing in our young people.

"Since 2010, nearly 3,000 apprenticeship places have been created in Leeds North West alone.

"This is also a testament to the work done by Liberal Democrats when we were in government, and specifically Vince Cable who led the successful push for more apprenticeships.

"Apprenticeships are incredibly important and I would encourage businesses who haven't taken on an apprentice yet to look at taking one."

The £1.1 billion apprenticeships budget in 2010 was increased to £1.4 billion under Lib Dem business secretary Vince Cable, serving in the coalition government.