Comment: Apprenticeships are key to UK's education success

Thursday, 20 January 2011 12:00 AM

Since I was elected MP for Harlow in May 2010, I have made apprenticeships one of my key priorities. They are hugely important for rebuilding our ruined economy, and bringing jobs back to Britain.

By Robert Halfon MP

As I said in a recent Westminster Hall debate, the government's strategy for skills is welcome, because it puts social justice at the heart of its plans.

Apprenticeships are a forceful answer to our stalled social mobility, our skills deficit, and the rising 'Neet' population.

There is much good news in the government's plans, with 75,000 new places for adult apprentices, less bureaucracy, and plans to scrap up-front fees altogether.

I was pleased also to be able to reveal in public - for the first time - that Harlow College is being strongly encouraged by the government to set up a University Technical College.

This would make our town a true centre of excellence, as we would be one of the first in the country to have a University Technical College - which in essence is like a conveyor belt from apprenticeships to higher education, training young people in subjects like construction, health science, and engineering, for 14- to 19 year-olds.

Pearson, the Harlow-based learning company, are also in advanced talks with the college about supporting their bid.

In response the minister was highly supportive, having visited Harlow College before the election.

On top of all this, there is the news that Essex council are looking at ways of boosting apprentices through clauses in their construction contracts, as well as their pioneering scheme to help with the wage costs of apprentices in engineering and manufacturing.

The self-reliance, and freedom, and maturity, that comes from earning your own money is not to be underestimated. That is why apprenticeships must be central to our education system. University technical colleges will only accelerate the minister's efforts to improve the prestige and status of apprenticeships, and to strengthen the routes from apprenticeships into higher education, especially perhaps - I hope - if we have one in Harlow.

Robert Halfon is the Conservative MP for Harlow

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