Leo Docherty MP has welcomed the news that since 2010, 10,450 new apprenticeships have been created across Aldershot, Farnborough, Blackwater and Hawley
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Leo took a visit today to Farnborough College of Technology to meet students undertaking apprenticeships, alongside Principal Virginia Barrett. The students benefit from a mix of learning in the classroom and hands on experience in the workplace, across sectors like Manufacturing, Engineering, Catering & Hospitality, and Vehicle Maintenance.
National Apprenticeship Week marks the annual celebration of apprenticeships, shining a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, business and the wider economy. Between 2010 and 2023, 10,450 apprenticeships have been created in the Aldershot Constituency, and over 5.3 million apprenticeships have been created across England.
Commenting, Leo said:
“Apprenticeships are fantastic ways for students to enter the world of work, helping them to build new skills and gain vital industry knowledge–all while being paid.
“It is brilliant news that 10,450 new apprenticeships have been created across the constituency since 2010 thanks to successive Conservative governments – as part of the Conservative‘s drive to improve skills and productivity in our economy.
“Each new apprenticeship means another student building the skills and knowledge they need for along and successful career.
"As well as driving up the number of people boosting their skills through apprenticeships, the Conservative Government’s reforms are also improving the quality of apprenticeships. £2.3 billion of additional funding has been announced for 2023/24 and 2023/25 – with colleges that deliver skills and training getting the most focused support.
"Alongside reforms to apprenticeships, the Conservative Government has introduced T-Levels and established twelve Institutes of Technology, including at our very own Farnborough College of Technology. T-Levels provide students with vocational options as rigorous and robust as A-Levels, whilst Institutes of Technology will be the pinnacle of technical training.
"I was pleased to meet many of FCOT’s fantastic local apprentices from autocare, aerospace engineering, and catering during my visit - even our photographer was a Digital Marketing Apprentice! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for students to enter the world of work; helping them to build new skills and gain vital industry knowledge - and all while being paid."
You can find out more about National Apprenticeships Week 2023 here.
Leo on site during a recent visit to Farnborough College of Technology's Aldershot campus, experiencing some of their hands-on technical skills training for himself
Leo meeting apprentice technicians with Principal Virginia Barrett at Farnborough College of Technology's Aerospace & Automotive Academy