THE Conservative candidate for Warrington North has welcomed new figures showing 590 apprenticeships were started by people in the constituency between August last year and this January.

It takes the total number of apprenticeships to have been started in Warrington North since 2010 to 5,540 and Richard Short is backing his party to continue delivering for the town.

He insists residents will benefit from a pledge to deliver three million apprenticeships to the country by 2020, funded by reducing the maximum amount that can be claimed on benefits from £26,000 to £23,000, and limiting young people’s access to housing benefit.

"These figures are fantastic news - 5,540 new apprenticeships since 2010 means more young people in Warrington North getting the skills to succeed and get on in life," said Mr Short.

"We are putting apprenticeships at the heart of our long-term economic plan, funding more of them and making sure they are high quality, teaching the skills that businesses need.

"A future Conservative Government would build on the great progress we have already made, committing to deliver three million more apprenticeships by 2020 and effectively to end youth unemployment.

"We are giving young people proper training and the prospect of a better future. Millions of young people are getting a good start in life, learning a trade, and knowing the purpose and pride that comes with that."