APPRENTICESHIPS need to become part and parcel of British education, according to Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper.

He has given his backing to National Apprenticeship Week, which has been running this week.

This is the fifth National Apprenticeship Week, which sees hundreds of events take place around the country.

Mr Harper said: "I firmly believe that apprenticeships should be at the heart of how we educate and train people.

"We need to remove the outdated divide between academic and vocational courses.

"Apprenticeships need to become mainstream in the British education system and economy.

"This will make the most of all of the talented young people in the country and help to stimulate our economy for the future.

"We know that firms that employ apprentices are more productive, and that consumers would prefer to buy from firms who take on apprentices.

"I am very pleased that there is currently record investment in apprenticeships.

"For so many young people, apprenticeship programmes open the door to a long-lasting career.

"National Apprenticeship Week helps to highlight the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices."

He added: "While studying part-time for a qualification, apprentices earn a wage, gain valuable work experience and learn specific skills from expert colleagues."

Meanwhile, The Citizen's 2012 Apprenticeships Awards are in full swing.

See www.thisis gloucestershire.co.uk to find out more.