I read with interest Sir Digby Jones’ article on the need for increased training for young people in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics (27 April, page 34).

Calls to strengthen the UK’s skills base should be applauded and I’m encouraged that the government has recognised the value of apprenticeships.

However, all too often, funding is ad hoc, with educational organisations being forced to operate hand-to-mouth. If the government is serious about addressing the skills shortage and doubling the number of apprenticeships available, as set out in the Leitch report, it should put its money where its mouth is and provide sustained funding.

Roger Southam, chairman, Chartered Surveyors’ Training Trust

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