MP’s mission to encourage apprentices
Apprenticeship week had Maidstone and The Weald MP Helen Grant on her toes last week.
Chairing the government’s Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network (ADCN), the Tory MP had a packed schedule meeting employers and apprentices.
As well as meetings at the House Commons, Mrs Grant also dropped into Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School to speak with aspiring engineering students.
The visit was a chance for Mrs Grant to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
Speaking this week she said: “Speaking to so many apprentices and apprentice employers this week has reinforced my view that apprenticeships work for them both alike.
“They provide students with the opportunity to earn whilst they learn a new skill and offer a direct path into a career, whilst giving employers the ability to create a bespoke workforce to match their business needs.
“I would encourage students and employers across Maidstone and the Weald and beyond to consider undertaking or employing an apprentice, they truly are a game changer.”
The ADCN was set up a year ago to help encourage people from underrepresented groups consider apprenticeships.
Chairing the network, Mrs Grant is joined by representatives from councils, companies, hospital trusts and universities.