STOCKPORT WELCOMES GOVERNMENT APPRENTICESHIP AMBASSADOR

Gordon Birtwistle MP, Government Apprenticeship Ambassador, was accompanied by local MP Andrew Stunell on a visit to Werneth School & Harrytown Catholic High School in an ‘apprenticeship road-show’ to explain the value of apprenticeships to young people. 

          Commenting, Andrew (pictured left with pupils
          centre and Gordon right) said –

          “Uni isn’t for everyone, and starting your career
          as an apprentice means you earn as you learn,
          and quickly gain the skills employers want.  It’s
          good for young people, and as many
          companies are finding out, it works for them
          too.  Our message was keep your eyes open to
          the opportunities there are to get a flying start to
          your chosen career.”

Gordon Birtwistle MP said –

“I was delighted to be able to visit these two schools in Andrew’s constituency. It was great to speak to lots of young people and talk to them about apprenticeships and tell them of the many opportunities that exist in all different sectors. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the young people and enjoyed the opportunity to share my own knowledge and stories with them.

“Everyone I speak to in my role as Government Ambassador agrees that apprentices add real value, and I want to encourage more employers in Hazel Grove to think about taking one on. I passionately believe in the value of apprenticeships and will continue to work hard to raise the profile of apprenticeships across the country.”

Groups of Year 10s and 11s at both schools heard from the MPs about the apprentice opportunities available to them here in Stockport and then watched a presentation by the National Apprenticeship Service letting them know how they could go about getting an apprenticeship.

Later they heard from Stockport apprentices themselves, who told the pupils of how they had found their apprenticeship experience and what they had got out of it, followed by hearing from Wini Tse from Manchester Digital who let the pupils know about apprentice opportunities available in the Creative and Digital sector. 

The visit was a part of the successful Stockport Apprenticeship Campaign, led by Andrew Stunell MP, NAS & Stockport Council, which has now secured over 150 apprenticeships in Stockport.  

Commenting further on the success of the campaign Andrew said –

“We started off by doubling last year’s target of 50 new apprentices in Stockport, and we’ve actually tripled it, and still rising.  It’s a brilliant response from local firms and organisations, and a huge opportunity for young people in our area.”