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Miliband unveils apprenticeships pledge ahead of election

A Labour government would guarantee an apprenticeship place to any school-leaver who gets the required grades, Ed Miliband announced as he set out his plan for boosting the UK's prosperity.

The Labour leader warned that the Tory "long-term economic plan" is working for a "handful" of people at the top, while his rival vision would champion the needs of working families.

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Miliband: Labour business policies help working families

Miliband launched Labour's plan at Jaguar Land Rover's plant in Wolverhampton.

Ed Miliband has warned that the Tory "long-term economic plan" is working for a "handful" of people at the top, while his rival vision would champion the needs of working families.

The Labour leader said:

Nothing more symbolises the current Government's failing plan than seeing the tax gap - between what should be paid and the revenue received - widening, while the number of apprenticeships available for young people is falling.

– Ed Miliband

He said just one in 10 employers in England offers an apprenticeship and there are "six times fewer high quality apprenticeships than in Germany".

Miliband continued:

It is time to match the aspirations of our young people with the high quality apprenticeships they deserve. So today I can announce: under the next Labour government, if you get the grades at 18, you will be guaranteed an apprenticeship.

– Ed Miliband

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