Local MP congratulates nearly 800 constituents on starting an apprenticeship
Last week, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe, spoke in Parliament on the subject of apprenticeships. Addressing Minister Nick Boles, Stephen asked: “What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships.”
The Minister replied: “We have achieved our ambition of 2 million new apprenticeships since 2010. The apprenticeship grant for employers is helping smaller business to take on new apprentices. From April 2016, employers will not be required to pay employer national insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25.”
Keen to raise the recent successes of local constituents Stephen then asked, “Will the Minister join me in congratulating the nearly 800 people in my constituency who started an apprenticeship last year? However, it is not just about quantity; it is also about quality. What steps is he taking to raise quality as well as quantity?”
The Minister, responded “I am delighted to congratulate those who started apprenticeships in my hon. Friend’s constituency this year. There has been a 40% increase since 2009-10 in the number of people starting apprenticeships in his constituency. They are higher-quality apprenticeships than those that existed under the previous Government. They have to last at least 12 months, and they have to be a real job with a real employer. That is a key part of the economic plan that is improving conditions for young people in his constituency.”
Speaking later, Stephen commented: “The Conservatives recognise that it is essential that as part of our long-term economic plan to give people the necessary skills to get on in life.”
“This Government has ensured that our young people, not only have more apprenticeship opportunities available to them; but that they are also of excellent quality. Young people are now gaining valuable experience in a way that has not been seen before, and this is really breathing new life into our economy”.
“Since the Conservatives have come to Government, there has been a 40% increase in the number of people starting an apprenticeship in my constituency. I am so pleased to see local residents in Basildon and Thurrock benefit from these Government changes.”
