I have long supported local apprenticeships, and last week I was delighted to co-host (alongside six of my brilliant Kent MP colleagues) my first Apprenticeship Fair at Maidstone Leisure Centre.
Over 70 organisations – including local businesses such as UK Power Networks, whose training centre is based in Sundridge, and FM Conway who are based in Sevenoaks, exhibited. And they were joined by over 1,500 students to discuss future opportunities. The atmosphere was really buzzing, and I am so grateful to everyone who took time out of their day to join us.
Apprenticeships are such an important way to gain a qualification and earn at the same time and I was so impressed to see the huge variety of options available locally. So many of the businesses I visit across Sevenoaks are now recruiting apprentices and when I talk to those in the role, they’re so passionate about what they do and thoroughly enjoy the experience it’s given them.
While the event was aimed at sixth formers, apprenticeships are also not exclusively for school leavers, and it was great to see some individuals who are looking to use them to switch career and retrain in a different sector. As a nation we have 1,134,000 vacancies, so it is vital that we upskill, train, and retrain to ensure business needs are met and more people realise their potential.
I firmly believe that everyone should have access to the high-quality education and training they need to build a brighter future, whether through study or work, and I am pleased the Government is committed to improving skills and productivity in our economy.
Since 2010, there have been 5 million apprentices in this country, with those starting on apprenticeship courses last year up 8.6%. 92% of those who complete their apprenticeships go on to a job or further training. The figures really speak for themselves.
By putting apprenticeships side-by-side with undergraduate degrees, I believe we can help everyone make the very best decisions for their career – getting into good jobs that help to grow the economy.
