Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, showcased the exciting range of apprenticeship opportunities available to students at East Riding College to the Minister for Apprenticeships, Luke Hall MP.
Beverley and Holderness has a wonderful array of both young people with great potential and businesses who give them the opportunity to learn the skills they need to thrive in their preferred industry.
Both were on display at East Riding College in Beverley, who are leading the way by working with 485 employers to give its 6000 students and 397 apprentices the best start possible to their career.
Graham and Minister Hall hosted a roundtable to showcase this, which was attended by some of the College’s apprentices, representatives from business groups including Humberside Engineering Training Association and Yorkshire Care Group, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Victoria Aitken, and staff from East Riding College including its Principal, Danny Metters.
During these discussions, Graham and Minister Hall spoke to apprentices about their experiences with their chosen courses, which ranged from engineering to construction.
They were pleased to hear that the students are enjoying their courses and have built good relationships with their managers which helps them to develop the skills they need to excel.
Following their discussion, Graham and Minister Hall received a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities available at East Riding College.
This included a visit to the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology, where students benefit from specialist equipment and expert tutors as they take the next step on their journey to become high quality engineers and technicians.
In 2019 the Government announced they would deliver 20 Institutes of Technology by the end of 2024, so the Minister was delighted to see first-hand the excellent teaching taking place in one at the heart of Beverley.
Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to earn, learn and try a new career path. That’s why I was proud to welcome the Minister of Apprenticeships, Luke Hall, to East Riding College for an insightful discussion into the amazing array of apprenticeships on offer in the East Riding and how we can build on this to give every student the best start possible to their career. Whether you want to be an engineer or hairdresser, there is an apprenticeship for you and I will continue to work with the Government, colleges and local businesses to expand the number of opportunities which will benefit our area.”
Luke Hall, Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education commented: "The Government is revolutionising our apprenticeship system and expanding them so they are available in nearly 70% of occupations. I am grateful to Graham for bringing together some of Beverley’s best apprentices and businesses across industries from accountancy to engineering to discuss what has worked well and how we can build on this success.”
Danny Metters, Principal of East Riding College, commented: ’The college was proud to host the event and provide a platform for parliament, local providers, the university and local authority to share the platform and demonstrate how we work collaboratively in the area, with students and the communities at the heart of what we do.’’
Councillor Victoria Aitken, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education, said: “The visit was a great opportunity to demonstrate the good work happening in the East Riding, but also to highlight the challenges, and I am grateful to Graham for giving us the opportunity to present these to the Minister. Working in partnership with East Riding College, other local apprenticeship providers and our employers, we will ensure that the workforce of the future is equipped with the skills necessary to meet local employer needs. In the East Riding the uptake of young people in apprenticeships is higher than the national average, but we are still ambitious for more. In particular, underrepresentation of females in a range of industries, and apprenticeship routes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and for those who are care experienced.”
