MP: Training is key to fast track out of recession

by Nick Webster. Published Tue 05 May 2009 17:45, Last updated: 2009-05-05

A Lancashire MP has warned that investment in skills training for young people will hold the key to promoting economic recovery for Britain.

Blackpool MP Gordon Marsden, Chairman of All-Party Skills Group is calling for new career opportunities for young people as a measure to help end the recession.

The Blackpool South MP, speaking in Parliament on skills and economic recovery in Lancashire called for "new skills policies to boost employment opportunities for young people and those who need help to develop their career during the economic downturn."

Mr Marsden said: "In the North-West, and across the UK, new opportunities will need to be found for younger people who may find it difficult to gain employment after graduating or finishing their training.

"For some new graduates this summer, they may find themselves elbowed out of employment opportunities by people with entry level experience and higher qualifications to match, who will be more attractive to potential employers. Therefore the expansion of internships and voluntary experience should be considered now to provide new opportunities to those new graduates.

"As the up-turn comes, demand for higher skills will increase, and so it is important to discuss now how we prepare for that challenge."