Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon, has celebrated National Apprenticeship Week in his own constituency of Harlow, rounding off a national tour of apprenticeship providers, training centres and employers.
Since being elected in 2010, Robert Halfon has championed education, skills and apprenticeships in Harlow and, following his appointment as Minister of State at the Department for Education, across the country. The latest figures show that over 8,000 new apprentices have been employed in Harlow since 2010, starting their climb up the ladder of opportunity, earning whilst learning, and developing the skills they need to secure well-paid jobs.
Through “ambitious” reforms, the Government is driving up the quality of apprenticeships by making £2.7 billion of funding available by 2025 to support businesses of all sizes to create more apprenticeship opportunities. National Apprenticeship Week takes place every year to raise awareness and champion the opportunities available to all young people through apprenticeships. The Government is investing in apprenticeships at all levels, breaking down barriers and boosting aspirations for children and young people from all backgrounds.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Minister and local MP, Robert Halfon, embarked on a national tour, meeting apprentices, employers and training providers in Sunderland, Newcastle, Manchester, Basingstoke, Chingford and Harlow.
Rounding off National Apprenticeship Week with a visit to Harlow College, Mr Halfon said, “Apprenticeships are an amazing opportunity for young people to get their foot on the first rung of the ladder of opportunity, offering them them the skills they need to have long and successful careers in well paid jobs.
“This week, I have been pleased to meet apprentices from Nissan, Northern Powergrid, Leeds Rhinos, Thames Water and Greater Manchester Police. Their sense of ambition, determination and hard work has been overwhelming and I am delighted to see so many young people taking these amazing opportunities to earn whilst they learn and to climb the ladder of opportunity.
“I am even more delighted that over 8,000 new apprentices have started their journey up the ladder of opportunity in Harlow since I was elected in 2010. Apprenticeships drive social justice and I would like to congratulate every Harlow young person who has completed an apprenticeship in recent years.”
Former apprentice and now Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, joined Robert in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, commenting, “My apprenticeship was my golden ticket. It gave me a unique insight into how a business operated, from the shop floor to the boardroom. I learnt the skills that businesses truly value and it launched my career in international business. This National Apprenticeship week I hope more people learn about the incredible opportunities available in everything from engineering to healthcare. Whatever career goals you aspire to, they can be achieved through an apprenticeship which can take you all the way up to masters degree level.”
