"Initiatives like Apprenticeship Week play a vital role in raising awareness of the benefits of work-based learning, demonstrating vocational qualifications offer many paths to success. Research shows employers love apprentices and despite the recession there is no reason why this should change - there is still unmet demand and room for growth, especially from the public sector. Some large employers have recently committed to take on more young people. However, the UK’s small businesses, often the ones that benefit the most from apprentices, may need direct incentives and the process made easier for them. The establishment of the National Apprenticeship Matching Service will help and the Government should support the introduction of Group Apprenticeship Services - similar to the Australian mode. One of the best ways to ensure the number of high quality apprentices continues to grow is by getting them and employers involved earlier through the highly-rated Young Apprentice scheme. Research has shown over half (54 per cent) of 14-19 year olds in Yorkshire and the Humber want to be given the option to either go to college or start an Apprenticeship at 14. Apprentices will play an integral role in helping the UK survive and even thrive during the current economic climate. This form of learning will result in job-ready young people who are skilled-up and ready to help British businesses ride out of the recession and may even see some companies come out stronger the other side.”