Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, was in Bath at the weekend and made time in his hectic schedule to visit the City of Bath College and see the opportunities being made available.
The visit was an opportunity for him to see first hand the benefits of a key policy championed by the Liberal Democrats to get young people into work.
It has helped 1.8 million apprentices start work since 2010 – including 1,680 in Bath. That’s the biggest expansion in apprentices since the 1950s.
They have made it easier for businesses to take on apprentices and given grants of up to £1,500 for each young unemployed person taken on as an apprentice, whilst putting £550m into improving college facilities for apprentices, UK-wide.
The City of Bath College is the largest local provider of apprenticeships and is a beacon of good practice, winning national awards and recognition for its range of apprenticeships ranging from accounting and engineering via barbering and IT and well beyond.
Principal Matt Atkinson was on hand to welcome Dr Cable and introduce him to engineering apprentices from Bath-based Rotork.
Vince Cable and Steve Bradley, the LibDem candidate hoping to succeed Don Foster as MP for Bath, and Don Foster MP met with a very positive response from the enthusiastic engineering apprentices.
Vince Cable commented: “All young people should have the opportunity to get on in life, and not everyone is suited to university.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to get bright young people into work and earning a wage while they learn skills leading to a nationally recognised qualification which will kick-start their careers.
“Bath College and Rotork have put together a superb scheme which is really paying off for Bath and its young people. The city should be very proud of them.”
Steve Bradley said: “I think it’s fantastic that so many businesses here in Bath are taking up the opportunity to hire apprentices. It helps them, and it gives young people vital, valuable experience.
“I think it’s so important that I’ve put my money where my mouth is on this one and have hired a former apprentice to work in my office.”
Cabinet Member Cllr Ben Stevens commented: “With the plans for the Enterprise Zone and the 9,000 new jobs it will attract, we’re expecting to see another rise in apprenticeships here soon, in particular in technology, creative and environmental sectors.”
