THE number of people taking up apprenticeships in Bradford is increasing, according to Government figures.

The figures, released by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, show a total of 4,950 apprenticeships were taken on in the Bradford Council area in 2011-12; 4,780 in 2012-13; 4,240 in 2013-14, 4,400 in 2014-15 and already stand at 4,010 between August last year and April this year.

But Bradford West MP Naz Shah said she was disappointed at the “patchy” spread of take-ups across the district.

“The picture of Bradford district seems patchy and I am disappointed that there is a disparity of take-up of apprenticeships across the district especially Bradford West in comparison to other constituencies,” she said.

“The figures for Bradford East, South and Keighley are greater in comparison.”

In Bradford West, in 2011-12 there were 890 apprentices; 800 in 2012-13, 750 in 2013-14, 760 in 2014-15 and already 720 between August 2015 and April this year.

In Bradford East, there were 1,140 in 2011-12; 1,020 in 2012-13; 920 in 2013-14, increasing to 990 in 2014-15 and 890 between August 2015 and April this year.

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain said: “Whilst I welcome a rise in apprenticeship numbers as it is positive that more people are beginning to see the value of an apprenticeship, I believe that the figures do need greater scrutiny as they show an increased number of older people undertaking apprenticeships.”

In Bradford South, there were 1,240 in 2011-12; 1,340 in 2012-13; 1,120 in 2013-14; 1,160 in 2014-15 and 1,090 between August last year and April this year.

In Shipley, the number of apprenticeships has stayed at a steady number. In 2011-12, there were 790; in 2012-13, 860; in 2013-14, 740; in 2014-15, 760 and between August last year and April this year there were already 630.

In Keighley, the number of apprentices has decreased from 880 in 2011-12; 760 in 2012-13; 700 in 2013-14; and 730 in 2014-15. There have been 690 from August last year to April this year.

Charlotte Blowers, 19, who was named Apprentice of the Year at this year’s Bradford Means Business Awards and works at Exceed Hairdressing Exceed Training Academy and Salon in Clayton Heights, said: “Apprenticeships are a good idea. It’s pleasing that more people have decided to go down the apprenticeship route.

“They are a good way for people to start in a career.”