My role as Minister for Skills means I spend some time each week travelling to meet employers and apprentices in businesses across the country.
Last week was National Apprenticeship Week, and this gave me a chance to meet dozens of young people at the Department for Education, and in their own workplaces. We were able to celebrate the apprenticeship community, promote the benefits of apprenticeships, and showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during the pandemic.
Many apprentices have had a tough time in the last couple of years, with the pandemic lockdowns restricting their ability to get the hands on experience and training they need. However, I know that the Government remains committed to supporting apprentices and employers to continue to build the skills capabilities the country needs now and in the future.
Since I became the Minister last year, I have talked to a lot of young people who have chosen to become an apprentice – training for a job whilst earning a salary and gaining valuable qualifications and experience. All apprenticeship costs are paid for by the employer and the government so young people have no student loans or tuition fees. In fact, as they spend up to 80% of their time in the workplace applying what you learn in your training, they are paid while they learn.
If you look online here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship there are dozens of apprenticeships available here in Brentwood and Ongar, in all things from business administration to hairdressing and gardening to dental nursing. It’s worth a look, especially for those who are heading towards GCSE and A level exams with little idea of what they want to do next.
I look forward to hearing how you get on, and perhaps meeting you in your workplace in the next few months.
