The number of young people starting apprenticeships in Dover has doubled in the last five years.

Statistics released by the government show that more than 900 apprenticeships started work in the Dover district during 2014-15.

It is also hoped this will continue with 270 new starters in the first few months of the 2015-16 academic year.

Cllr Keith Morris, portfolio holder for skills and training at Dover District Council (DDC), said: “This is great news and shows how young people are playing an important role in local regeneration by gaining key skills in the workplace.”

One local provider which has seen growth in apprenticeship delivery is East Kent College in Dover. Its principal, Graham Razey, said that the college would be aiming for even higher numbers in the future.

He said: “The college has already grown the number of apprenticeships we’re delivering for Dover by 300 per cent this year and we’re targeting higher numbers for the next academic year. It’s great to play a part in Dover’s success story.”

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has also praised the figures, which shows that 4,300 young people started new apprenticeships in the area since May 2010.

He said: “It is fantastic news that even more young people in Dover and Deal have started apprenticeships. It is important that we create the opportunities that will mean more young people gain the skills they need to get on in life.

“High quality apprenticeships increase our young people’s prospects of finding a good job and enjoying a more secure future. These figures bring us one step closer to full employment in Dover and Deal.”

In the South East, 348,350 young people started an apprenticeship and there have been 2.6 million across the country.

The government has pledged to create three million by 2020.

For more information on skills, training and apprenticeships visit www.skills4dover.co.uk