Skills Minister Matthew Hancock has brought apprenticeships - a concept dating here in the UK from the middle ages - bang up to date, 21st century style, by launching the Apprenticeship Guide app.
He launched the app during his visit to South Thames College, in London’s Wandsworth.
There, he was meeting apprentices attending the college on day or block release, and speaking to them about what they'd been doing in the past, and what their plans were for the future.
Currently available - for free - from the iTunes store and soon to be released as an Android version, the Apprenticeship Guide app was developed by Barker Brooks Communications.
It provides advice about vocational training, and, more specifically, learning providers and available apprenticeship schemes.
"Apprenticeships", says Mr Hancock, "are at the heart of our drive to equip people of all ages with the skills employers need to prosper and compete, often in a global market.
"This app will give good, solid information on what opportunities are out there, and how to go about getting them."
And Principal of South Thames College, Sue Rimmer OBE, says: "We have expanded the number of apprenticeships we offer and are working with around one hundred and fifty employers in London.
"We recognise the opportunities that Apprenticeships create and are delighted the minister has chosen South Thames College to help launch this valuable new resource."
