ANY attempt by Education to cut the States Apprenticeship Scheme will be ‘vigorously’ opposed by deputies, a Vale poll-topper has warned.

But Education has assured Deputy Matt Fallaizein its response to his questions on the current review of the scheme, that cost-cutting was not its intention.

‘I have spoken to other States members who feel equally as strongly as I do that it would be extremely unwise to place the apprenticeship scheme at risk in the hope of saving a few thousand pounds – let the problems with the bus service be a lesson in that regard,’ Deputy Fallaize, pictured, said.

‘The department assures us that cost-cutting is not their intention here and we have to trust that assurance, but if they do try to cut into the scheme in any way we will have to oppose it vigorously.’