The Prime Minister, David Cameron, visited BAE Systems in Lancashire to promote National Apprenticeship Week. He highlighted the continuing investment in apprenticeships in Lancashire and the fact that 2 million have been created since May 2010 – over 350,000 in the North West which is more than any other region. Over the course of the next Parliament, the Conservatives will create a further 3 million apprentices.
I was delighted to take a group of apprentices up to the fantastic BAE Systems facility to take part in the event and to meet the Prime Minister. Industry and manufacturing is particularly important in this part of the country and apprenticeships are a key part in supporting our continuing revival.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity of this visit to announce the creation of degree apprenticeships. Apprentices will split their time between normal university study to gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree whilst earning a wage and getting real work experience in their chosen profession. This will include aerospace engineering, chartered surveying and the nuclear industry.