Local apprenticeships were in the spotlight in the House of Commons recently during a Q&A session with the Prime Minister, David Cameron.
During the Q&A in Westminster, Ilkeston MP Jessica Lee said to the Prime Minister: “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?”
Mr Cameron replied: “The Government has 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.”
Since being elected in 2010, Lee campaigned to get more young people and employers involved in apprenticeships.
She explained: “Local businesses have really come on board with this and are giving our young people skills for life. In the 2012/13 academic year 1,220 people started an apprenticeship in Erewash and I would appeal to any business looking to expand to consider an apprentice as an option.”
