An Ipswich company has welcomed plans by George Osborne to fund an additional 20,000 higher apprenticeship places over the next two years.

Sanctuary Personnel, the specialist social work recruitment agency based at Neptune Marina, which is a member of the Suffolk Future50 listing of high-growth businesses, has said the plans are “exciting” and they are looking forward to helping more local young people start their careers.

The chancellor announced the government would be investing an additional £40million into the new initiative, which would offer an additional 20,000 higher apprenticeship places throughout England.

The apprenticeships are available to A-level school leavers and existing apprentices, and offer an opportunity to gain a degree-level qualification by combining theoretical learning with practical work.

Sanctuary Personnel currently employs 23 apprentices, who are each achieving nationally-recognised NVQ qualifications and gaining experience within a busy office environment.

Sanctuary believes apprenticeships are a great start to a career.

Managing director James Rook said: “These new plans are really exciting; it is great to see so many different options available for young people to take the first steps onto their career path.

“I am really pleased to see the government investing further into the apprenticeship programme and recognising that vocational training is just as important as higher education.

“I know that for many young people, university is not the best option for them, and this new investment promises to make an equal footing for those who prefer to combine their learning with practical work experience.”