Championing the success of apprenticeships across Hazel Grove, a government minister saw for herself the opportunities available to young people on a visit.
Michelle Donelan MP, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, was invited to visit C Rice Engineering Ltd, who manufacture components for several industries and are big supporters of apprenticeships, by Paul Athans, the Conservative candidate for Hazel Grove.
Paul said:
“I’d like to thank C Rice Engineering for inviting us along to see the fantastic work they are doing. We talked about the technology and skills required for precision engineering. This week is National Apprenticeship Week, and it was very productive to be able to discuss the positive impact of the government’s work on apprenticeships with the minister.
“As an Army Officer I know just how important apprenticeships are and I’m proud that the Army is one of the UK's largest Apprenticeship Employer Providers. In Hazel Grove constituency alone, we’ve delivered 9,760 apprenticeship starts since 2010.
Thanking Paul, the minister said:
“I was delighted to be in Hazel Grove constituency supporting Paul Athans.
“I know Paul is passionate about apprenticeships and the work that we’ve done as a government to really challenge the stigmas, expand the quantity, and raise the quality of apprenticeships.
“This Conservative government is continuing to open up apprenticeships to people of all ages and stages.
“I know that as the MP for Hazel Grove, Paul will be a strong local champion for apprenticeships.”
Thanking Paul and the minister, Darren Rice the director of C Rice Engineering Ltd added:
“We’ve been here since 1977 and have never been busier. We always need more apprentices, so it was very useful to be able to speak with Michelle and Paul about some of the apprenticeship schemes available.
“I thank Paul for bringing the minister to see our family firm.”
