Apprenticeships

Last week I visited the NFU in Crediton. Representing a constituency in which agriculture is so key means that they are very important to me and I am grateful for the considerable input, advice and guidance they have provided during my time as a Member of Parliament.

My visit last week though, was not about advice or even specifically about farming matters but to meet someone special. Laura Holman, at 19, has recently joined the NFU as a young business apprentice and is already off to a flying start.

Apprenticeships are a particular passion of mine. Getting on in the world of work is not all about Universities and academic qualifications — it is often also about the practical application of knowledge and skills. And apprenticeships, by improving the marketability of those who succeed with them support social mobility — it is often young people who benefit from an apprenticeship and move on and up in life as a result.

Laura is a case in point. She is now working towards an NVQ in Business Administration. With 85% of apprentices staying in employment after their training ends and with two thirds acquiring work with the same employer, Laura's prospects are very good.

Of the three and a half staff I employ as an MP, one is an apprentice — Lucy, who is doing a great job supporting me and looking after the needs of my constituents.  

If as an employer or potential apprentice you would like to know more please get in touch. I will do my best to help. More information at http://www.apprenticeships.org.ukwhere">http://www.apprenticeships.org.ukwhere you will find over 17,000 apprenticeship opportunities. There are over 150,000 employers offering apprenticeship opportunities in over 200,000 locations. Everything from hairdressing to veterinary nursing, engineering to retailing and financial advising to, oh yes, farming.