Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, celebrated National Apprenticeship Week in Telford and London this week meeting with Ministers, employers, apprentices, and a local training provider in Telford to discuss how apprenticeships are vital to help more people gain skills and jobs in order to reduce reliance on overseas workers.
In a significant boost for apprenticeships, the government has this week announced reforms that will see up to 10,000 more apprentices qualify each year by removing barriers and offering employers greater flexibility on maths and English requirements.
Additionally, the launch of Skills England will help identify and bridge skills gaps across the country, ensuring businesses can access the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
Speaking about the importance of apprenticeships, Shaun said: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into skilled employment, benefiting both individuals and businesses. We must ensure more young people can access high-quality training opportunities here in the UK, rather than relying on overseas workers to fill these gaps. It was fantastic to meet apprentices training in Oakengates and hear how much they’re enjoying their courses while earning as they learn. I’m confident they have bright futures ahead.”
In Telford, Shaun visited JTL Training, a national not-for-profit apprenticeship provider with a training centre in Oakengates, which specialises in plumbing and electrical training.
The visit provided valuable insight into the challenges apprenticeship providers face, including the difficulty in recruiting teaching staff, rising costs of essential training materials, and the limitations of the current apprenticeship levy which is also earmarked for change by the new Government.
Shaun highlighted the importance of Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, particularly for young people who prefer hands-on learning over traditional education pathways. Discussions with JTL Training also explored how apprenticeships could play a larger role in tackling youth unemployment.
Andy Lunn, National Delivery Director said: “We were delighted to welcome Shaun Davies MP to JTL Telford celebrating National Apprenticeship Week to showcase the high-quality apprenticeships we provide and highlight the essential role that electricians and plumbers play in delivering the UK’s infrastructure, house-building and net-zero ambitions.
“Apprenticeships are the gold standard route into these critical trades, equipping learners with the skills and expertise needed to meet industry standards and safety requirements. However, demand for skilled workers continues to outstrip supply, and the bottleneck is in the training pipeline itself. To secure the future workforce, we must continue investing in high-quality apprenticeship training, tailoring apprenticeships to employer needs.
“We appreciate Shaun’s engagement and support in championing apprenticeships. Strengthening these pathways will be crucial in meeting national priorities and securing the workforce needed for to achieve our long-term economic and environmental goals.”
Shaun added: “It was fantastic to hear from JTL today how government reforms are already making a difference, with a number of their apprentices now able to complete their qualifications, including vital maths and English requirements, thanks to this week’s changes.”
Locally, residents and businesses interested in apprenticeships are encouraged to attend the Telford Skills Show on Thursday 27 March, at Telford International Centre—a key opportunity for individuals to explore training and career opportunities.
