Clockwise from top left: Aga Rangemaster, Long Eaton: apprentice in training; Steed Upholstery, Long Eaton: apprentices in training; Children 1st, Long Eaton: apprentices in training; Metreel, Ilkeston: apprentice in training.
PRESS RELEASE FROM JESSICA LEE MP – SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
Jessica Lee, MP for Erewash marked National Apprenticeship Week by visiting a number of young people in Erewash undertaking apprenticeships in a variety of roles. This year, Jessica kicked started her campaign to raise awareness of National Apprenticeship Week by asking the Prime Minister the following question in PMQs on 5th February:
Jessica Lee MP: In Erewash, we have a proud and strong history of supporting apprenticeships across a range of sectors. With national apprenticeship week taking place next month, does my right hon. Friend agree that the emphasis and drive of this Government on increasing apprenticeships—for men and women—is exactly what is needed to support people getting back into work and training?
The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Government have invested record amounts in apprenticeships. More than 1.5 million people have started apprenticeships, many of whom come from the east midlands, including those whom I met with her in her constituency. Again, those are not just statistics. Each and every one of those apprentices is someone who is getting a chance, a skill, a job and an opportunity to build a life for themselves and to build that stability, peace of mind and security that should be the birthright of every single person in our country.
And by raising the matter at BIS questions on 5th March, as follows:
Jessica Lee MP: I very much welcome my hon. Friend’s statement. I would like to assure the House that in Erewash this week I am busy meeting a number of apprentices from a range of sectors to mark national apprenticeship week. Does he agree that the two key points are, first, to remind employers of the support available and encourage them to appreciate the value of apprenticeships, and secondly, to tell young people, as I frequently do, “Get smart—get an apprenticeship”?
Matthew Hancock: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her work. I would say to all Members of the House that having an apprentice not only gives somebody a chance but is very motivating for oneself, as I have found out. I not only recommend all Members to take on an apprentice but commend the House of Commons for having started an apprenticeship scheme. I have met some of those apprentices, and very impressive they are too.
Commenting on National Apprenticeship Week, Jessica said”There is strong history of apprentices in traditional industries in Erewash. This tradition continues, but there are also apprenticeships across a broad range of sectors these days, from catering to child care and engineering. Apprenticeships offer not just young people, but those of all ages, an opportunity to become knowledgeable and skilled in many ways. This often gives apprentices responsibility in the workplace and a specialism, which will help with long term job opportunities. There are also huge benefits to employers for training a person to become a valuable member of the team within which they work.
I strongly support the current Government drive on apprenticeships. In the last academic year, 1,220 people started an apprenticeship in Erewash, which is 80 more than the previous year. I am hosting my third Erewash Jobs Fair on 23 July 2014. Opportunities for apprenticeships will feature as part of the day.
The message is straight forward: Get Smart, Get an Apprenticeship!”