Washington and Sunderland West MP Sharon Hodgson has added her support to a new campaign in Parliament to increase apprenticeships and training.

Introduced in the Commons today by the MP for Newcastle North, Catherine McKinnell, the Apprenticeships and Skills (Public Procurement Contracts) Bill, will seek to place a requirement on bidders for government contracts to demonstrate a firm commitment to training and apprenticeships.

The proposal, which enjoys strong cross-Party support, will reinvigorate the industries vital to recovery, address unemployment and the training shortfall as well as reducing strain upon universities and providing companies with talented new workers. 

Mrs Hodgson commented: "I am delighted to be supporting this Bill. Given the squeeze being put on public spending, it's only right that firms wanting public money give something back by investing in training and jobs. A voluntary code is fine but enshrining this as an obligation would make a real difference to millions of people.

"In particular it promises to make more apprenticeship opportunities available to young people, giving them that first important step on the career ladder. I really hope the Government will support this Bill becoming law."

Catherine McKinnell added: "I wanted to introduce a bill that had a chance to make a real difference throughout the country. Growing up with my grandfather's building firm, I have seen at first-hand just how successful apprenticeships are in providing high quality training and a great start to working life.

"In 2008, the total value of public procurement was around £175bn. Placing a training requirement upon the businesses awarded those deals would have meant that now, in 2010, we would be reaping the benefits of large-scale, investment in the workforce at a crucial time for the economy. It is clear that because of the government's leverage in these deals, the public sector is uniquely placed to encourage these opportunities."