Celebrating National Apprenticeships Week

Despite the recent encouraging news, there is clearly still much to do on combating the ongoing cost of living crisis and encouraging stronger economic growth.

That's why it is so important to prepare people for the jobs of the future in a labour market that is expected to change with AI. This is important to me not just as a Hull constituency MP, but also in my role as Employment Minister.

In February, the annual National Apprenticeships Week served as an important opportunity to highlight the role of good quality modern apprenticeships and I was delighted to visit three apprenticeships providers across Hull.

I visited JTL Hull, who provide training and apprenticeships in the building and engineering sector. I met with electrical and plumbing apprentices to discuss their journeys and ambitions. JTL support their apprentices in many ways, including providing support to women entering industries where they've traditionally been under-represented. I also met with local employers across the Humber region to discuss both the challenges and opportunities they face.

I then visited the Humber Energy Skills Training Academy, where apprentices are equipped with the practical skills required for careers in renewable energy, low-carbon technologies and industrial decarbonisation. It was fantastic to hear about the vital work going into building the skilled workforce needed for the UK's transition to cleaner energy. The partnership between education and employers at HESTA is a great example of how we can drive real economic growth.

Finally, I met with two apprentices, Phil and Jess, at Asda Kingswood. During last year's National Apprenticeships Week I met Phil, who was at that point at the start of his journey as an apprentice so it was great to hear from again a year later and to see how far he has come at Asda.