Shropshire Star

Watch: Business Secretary Sajid Javid MP praises Telford boost in apprenticeships

The Business Secretary has congratulated firms, colleges and training providers for helping to boost apprenticeships in the past five years as Shropshire prepares to host a huge apprenticeship show today.

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The remarks were made by Sajid Javid in the House of Commons and come as Telford International Centre was opening its doors today (Thur) to showcase opportunities in the Army and civilian sectors.

During business, innovation and skills question time on Tuesday, Telford MP Lucy Allan mentioned the area has seen a dramatic fall in youth unemployment and invited the minister to congratulate those who had helped youngsters get their first step on the career ladder.

In response, Mr Javid said: "I do recall fondly a number of the visits to Telford and some of the visits we had with local businesses.

"I will warmly join her in congratulating those local businesses, colleges and training providers in the work that they've done to boost apprenticeships up 120 per cent over five years in her constituency.

"It means thousands of young people have been helped to achieve their full potential."

Last year more than 2,500 Shropshire youngsters signed up for apprenticeships. Some of the country's biggest firms were present at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow this week for a Shropshire Apprenticeships Live event. It was organised by the Ladder for Shropshire, the Shropshire Star-backed scheme to create apprenticeship opportunities for young people in the county.

Today's apprenticeship show at The International Centre was being hosted by Telford & Wrekin Council's Job Box programme, in partnership with the Army, to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.

More than 40 local and national businesses have signed up for the event, including The Wrekin Housing Trust, Epson, CapGemini, NHS, Jaguar Land Rover, Carillion, TDS Academy, Fabweld, Ricoh and Grainger and Worrall.

The age range for apprenticeships has been removed and there is now no upper age limit, so all job seekers in the borough are encouraged to come along to the event.

The British Army is the UK's biggest apprenticeship employer and has more than 40 different apprenticeship schemes.

The show was featuring hands-on and interactive activities for those attending to try which will be related to a range of careers.

Councillor Gilly Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for employment and skills, said: "This is a great opportunity for the Job Box to work with the Army to host this event.

"We're hoping that the event will help to dispel some of the misconceptions around apprenticeships, for example that they are only for 16-year-olds.

"The Army offers apprenticeships up to 32 years and many firms will consider anyone, regardless of age.

"There will be hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities for people to apply for and find out more about.

"This is a really great chance to meet local employers."

The apprenticeship show will be on between 10am and 7.30pm today.

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