Apprenticeships are 'rocketing' across Surrey, according to the county council.

For Surrey has seen a near 20% surge in apprenticeships in a year.

The county council said this week the number of new apprentices aged 16 to 18 shot up by 19.2% to 690 in the last financial year.

And it said apprenticeships in the 19 to 24 age group climbed by 16.5% in the same period, with almost 100 extra places filled.

The figures outstrip the rest of the South-east, which showed a 2% fall in 16 to 18-year-old apprentices and a 15% increase for those aged 19 to 24.

Surrey County Council has created 265 apprenticeships for teenagers since last July by offering businesses a cash incentive, and 100 people have been hired within the authority.

In addition, the council has set a goal of boosting 500 young people’s job prospects in the next year through apprenticeships and trainee roles.

Frank Offer, Surrey County Council’s head of commissioning and development, said: “A rise of nearly 20% in apprentices is great news, and now the county council will look to build on the momentum we’ve created as part of our efforts to promote economic growth.”

He added: “Apprenticeships are good for business and for a successful career, so over the coming year our aim is to give 500 more young people the leg-up they need to find work at a tough time and provide employers with the skilled workforce they require to thrive.”

The figures were provided by the National Apprenticeship Service.