BASINGSTOKE businesses are backing apprentices.

That is according to the town’s MP Maria Miller who has welcomed new figures that show that even more Basingstoke businesses are backing the Government’s apprenticeship scheme.

In Basingstoke 460 workplaces now offer apprenticeships, compared to 370 in 2010/2011.

Mrs Miller said: “Many more Basingstoke businesses of all sizes are offering apprenticeship places.

“The people who run our local businesses tell me that what works for them is training and growing their own staff.

“Apprenticeships benefit the business by ensuring training is right for the business and benefit apprentices themselves giving them internationally recognised qualifications for life.

“This is why, both locally and nationally, we have seen a record number of apprenticeships starting.”