SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith has welcomed new figures which show 4,340 apprenticeships have been started in his constituency since 2010.
He said more young people than ever before were now "earning and learning" and gaining the skills needed for a successful future.
The growth has been mirrored across the Yorkshire and Humber region, with 323,310 new apprenticeships begun since May 2010.
Nationally the figure is 2.6 million.
Mr Smith said: "These figures are fantastic news – 4,340 new apprenticeships started locally means more young people across Skipton and Ripon are gaining the skills to get on in life and do well.
"Apprenticeships have been a core part of our Government's plan to deliver a more secure future for young people, which is why we committed to deliver three million more high-quality apprenticeships by 2020 – with these figures confirming we are already making progress towards that.
"By delivering this we will ensure more young people have the prospect of a good job and a more secure future ahead of them."
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