Apprentice recognised at House of Commons
An apprentice from Mike Rowland & Son met Skills and Equalities Minister Nick Boles as part of a unique celebration of apprenticeships at the House of Commons on Tuesday 10 March.
The event, organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, showcased the products and services ‘made by apprentices’ to politicians, existing apprentice employers and business leaders.
Jason Holt CBE, the government’s small business apprentice ambassador also announced the formal launch of an online peer-to-peer support platform for small business, Apprenticemakers.
Apprentice Bench Joiner, Journeyman Wheelwright, George Richards, 18, from Colyton, was invited to the event to share his experiences of taking on an apprenticeship.
Since starting his apprenticeship, George is now the 7th generation woodworker in his family.
George has always been passionate about becoming an apprentice Bench Joiner, Apprentice Journeyman Wheelwright and displayed at the event four small wheels and a door that he had made by hand.
Later this month, George will be travelling to the USA for a working month in colonial Williamsburg to learn pre-industrial methods in wheel manufacture.
The event took place in the wake of research from economists at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) releasing new research showing millions of consumers would prefer to do business with apprentice employers.
The Cebr also found that apprentices deliver productivity gains of over £10,000 per annum per apprentice for companies and the benefits are seen even before apprentices complete their apprenticeship.
Jason Holt CBE said: “In launching National Apprenticeship Week we are celebrating the 2.1 million apprenticeship starts since 2010 and the positive impact they are having on businesses around the country.
“The benefits of apprenticeships are clear - they make a vital contribution to the economy, boost business productivity and give people the skills they need to get on in the world of work.
“But we know we need to do more to explain the benefits of apprenticeships to small businesses – this is why Apprenticemakers will provide SMEs interested in taking on apprentices with a mentor to help guide them through the process.”
Skills Minister Nick Boles said:
“Apprenticeships make a huge contribution to the UK economy, boost business productivity and give people the chance to fulfill their potential.
“There have been more than 2 million apprenticeships since 2010 and more than 1,000 employers are now involved in designing new top quality apprenticeships in everything from accountancy to TV production.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in National Apprenticeship Week for the role they have played in making apprenticeships the success they are today.”
Greg Rowland, Royal Warrant Grantee, Master Wheelwright, President Highgrove Warrant Holders Association, Liveryman Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights and Business Owner of Mike Rowland & Son said:
“Having an apprentice is not only important for my business, it’s important for the survival of my trade.”
