To mark National Apprenticeship Week Conor McGinn MP paid a visit to Kalzip in his constituency.
At the site Conor met apprentices employed by the company through a St Helens Chamber-led scheme. He spoke to Debbie Ashurst, Planning and Materials Control Manager, about why the company felt it was important to take on apprentices and took the opportunity to meet the apprentices and listen to their experiences and how they enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills in the workplace.\n
National Apprenticeship Week is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service to celebrate apprenticeships and traineeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Kalzip, an international company based in Haydock produces roofing and building materials for useхЪ all over the world, currently has taken on 7 apprentices via the St Helens Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking after the visit Conor said:
“Delivered well, apprenticeships are an important route into employment.хЪ They give an opportunity to learn and develop skills for the workplace whilst earning a living.
“Companies like Kalzip have recognised that high-quality apprenticeships are good for employers and good for those completing them. And with help from St Helens Chamber, they’ve identified some really fantastic young people and given them a great opportunity.
“But for too long the UK has not invested enough in apprenticeships. The current Government have failed to address this; they have not fixed the underlying structural economic weaknesses which hold our country back.
“The UK faces a skills emergency, skills shortages make up over a third of vacancies in some industries. This is bad for businesses and for working people too. Boosting apprenticeships must be part of the solution.
“Employers like Kalzip and organisations like St Helens Chamber are helping to address this. I am glad to be supporting them and will continue to press for high-quality apprenticeships, a solution to the skills shortage and help to get young people into work.”