This week (5th-11th February) is National Apprenticeship Week 2024, designed to raise awareness of and celebrate the high-quality opportunities that are now available across the country. As such, Dr Hudson was keen to shine a light on the many benefits apprenticeships can offer and the Conservative Government's proactive record on post-16 education.
Apprenticeships play a key role in career development and the widening of opportunities for all. They are an important part of the UK Government's learning and development offer, as well as the commitment to provide rewarding careers across all professions and career stages.
The Conservative Government has created more than 5.7 million apprenticeships since May 2010 including 8,100 in Penrith and The Border.
However, there are significant concerns that this progress could be at risk with Labour's lack of plans in this area. This short-term thinking could halve apprenticeships, meaning young people and SMEs would lose out the most.
Dr Hudson is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and the power of education. In 2023, he invited Robert Halfon MP to Ullswater Community College in Penrith. Mr Halfon is a senior Department for Education Minister for Skills, Further and Higher Education. Moreover, Dr Hudson welcomed news that at least 90 apprentices will be trained in future proof digital communications roles at Fibrus's Newton Rigg site, near Penrith.
Recent Government action includes passing the Skills and Post-16 Education Act, giving people the skills they need at every stage of their life, Investing £3.8 billion in skills training, and expanding UCAS services to include apprenticeships so students can make better decisions about their careers.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Whatever your background, no matter what you want to do, this Conservative government is working to ensure you can reach your potential.
"That’s why we’ve delivered nearly 700 different apprenticeship routes, that can take you onto jobs in nearly 70% of occupations – all the way from nursing to law, and accountancy, and even space engineering.
"Today over 5.7 million people - including more than 8,100 locally - have started an apprenticeship since we took office."
Find out more at the Government's National Apprenticeship Week and apprenticeships more generally, here: https://naw.appawards.co.uk
