The much-trumpeted Modern Apprenticeship scheme is failing to take off according to the latest Government figures. Currently, 15,000 young people are pursuing a national vocational qualification Level 3 through the scheme. Education and employment minister James Paice said the numbers are expected to rise to about 20,000 by the end of March. That is 10,000 less than the original March target, and a long way off the 60,000 September target.