JTL, training provider to the building services engineering sectors, expressed its shock and disappointment at last week's Panorama programme which focused on bad practice in apprenticeship provision.

A not-for-profit charity, JTL has delivered more than 50,000 fully-employed four year apprenticeships over the last 20 years, the vast majority of who remain active within the industry.

Hird added: "It is our belief that Government and the network of providers should take the responsibility to continue to provide opportunities for young people to world-class standards that the term apprenticeship implies and that the Government funding invested in this is used for the benefit of young people rather than for individual profit."