Priti Patel welcomes news of business expanding apprenticeship scheme
Kelvin Hughes, which specialises in the design and supply of navigation and surveillance systems, today announced it has hired three new apprentices.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Priti Patel visited Enfield this morning (Tuesday 10 February) to welcome the announcement that a local business is expanding its apprenticeship scheme.
Kelvin Hughes, which specialises in the design and supply of navigation and surveillance systems, today announced it has hired three new apprentices.
The company launched its apprenticeship scheme in August 2014 and works in partnership with Hertford Regional College and other local colleges to deliver the scheme. The apprentices will work four days a week at Kelvin Hughes, while studying towards their NVQ qualifications. The company has now started the search for four more apprentices.
Apprenticeships are a key part of the government’s plan to equip people of all ages with the skills employers need to grow their businesses. Budget 2014 made available an extra £20 million from April 2014 to support higher apprenticeships, to provide apprentices with high level technical skills that employers need. This complements the £40 million funding available over academic years 2013/14 and 2014/15 for 20,000 more higher apprenticeships granted at Autumn Statement 2013.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Priti Patel, said:
It’s great news that Kelvin Hughes is expanding its apprenticeship scheme and giving more people the opportunity to get a real job with training. They will join the 2.1 million people who have already started an apprenticeship since 2010.
Apprenticeships are good for business, helping employers to develop the skilled workforce that they need to grow and compete. That’s why we are committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships further still, as part of the government’s long term economic plan.
Kelvin Hughes’ chief executive Russell Gould, said:
Apprenticeships are important to ensure we’re bringing young people through with the skills we need. And by creating real career opportunities, we’re also giving something back to the local community and helping the wider economy.
The annual celebration of apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week 2015 takes place from 9-13 March 2015. Go to www.gov.uk/naw2015 to find out how to get involved.