The Business Secretary has said he is "very proud" that the government is prioritising investment in apprenticeships despite financial constraint.
At the launch of the "biggest ever" apprenticeship week, with over 500 events planned across the country, he said:
"Apprenticeships are at the centre of the government's skills policy because we know that they work," he said.
"Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses' profits and drive growth in the wider economy."
Network Rail has focused on recruiting female apprenticeships in its 2012 scheme.
Head of resourcing Adrian Thomas said: “We recruit smart and ambitious women and men through our apprenticeship scheme who we know if supported can go on to higher academic achievement. As a growing sector, rail needs to recruit and retain top quality engineers for the future.
“Our recruitment experience tells us that many young people find the route to higher education in engineering closed because of their GCSE choices, which has a knock on effect to A level and degree options.
"By reopening the academic doors to those who have not taken the traditional route, we hope to attract more talented women to apply and nurture that engineering expertise that will make our business stronger, more successful and better value for the British public.”
Official figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that women get better grades at university than men with 66% achieving a first or 2:1 compared to 60% of men. However only 15% of people taking engineering or technology undergraduate degrees are women.
As part of a new government initiative, small firms who take up their first apprentice by 2012 will be able to apply for an incentive of £1,500.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
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