Employers, apprentices, schools and colleges met for a discussion and awards ceremony at Kirkley Hall last week. Apprenticeships have doubled these last 2 years in the north east and I was pleased to bring together the Minister Matt Hancock MP, to our summit just outside Ponteland. Matt and I had earlier visited Newcastle College and then met with business leaders, including the North East Chamber of Commerce for lunch. At Kirkley Hall a number of apprentices were honoured, including the impressive Caitlin May, along with her boss from North Star Venture Capital [pictured]. Other apprentices were from Egger,UK Coal and Bernicia amongst others. The apprentices locally in Hexham range from those at Egger to the young team in Hexham who are learning hairdressing skills at the new college - and who cut my hair. I was impressed at the summit by Jason Janczyk, UK Coal's apprentice, who is ex army and who has worked his way back into employment with UK Coal. Pictured with me is Caitlin May who is North Star's first apprentice in venture capital. She is surely living proof that apprenticeships can be for anyhting.
All agreed that apprenticeships are a wonderful way into work, and are just as good as a degree.
A full report is in this weeks Hexham Courant and here in the Morpeth Herald: http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/news/local-news/minister-promotes-alternative-route-into-employment-1-5390401
