IMI chief executive Steve Nash has welcomed the Government’s plans, announced in today’s papers, to implement a 57p an hour increase for apprentices under 20 years old.

Nash recently called on employers in the motor industry to increase the starting rate for junior apprentices to £4 hour, a 70% rise on the current rate, to help the industry attract the top talent it needs.

Nash said: "20% on top of today’s apprentice minimum wage is a great step forward; it should help business attract talented youngsters into vocational training as a viable alternative to university.

IMI are recommending that businesses in the motor industry go further and offer up to £4 an hour to 1st year apprentices, to attract the brightest students into our branch of engineering apprenticeships."