Addressing delegates at the Apprenticeship Awards, Denham acknowledged the fact that seven of the 12 finalists at the awards were women, three of whom had undertaken programmes in the more male-dominated areas of electrical installation, aerospace engineering and engineering.

He explained that while nearly half of all apprentices are female, more women need to be given places in areas like construction or engineering to help avoid skills shortages.

‘We’ll be providing more funding, support and advice for women so that those who may not have considered doing an apprenticeship can be encouraged that it’s the right choice for them,’ Denham promised.

According to the government, by 2013 all qualified school leavers will be entitled to an apprenticeship and over the next decade one in five young people will start an official programme.

See also: A small business guide to taking on interns and apprentices