A Rolls Royce apprentice from Ashby has met North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack to discuss his career journey.

Labour says that more young people will soon have the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship due to government reform of the skills system aimed at unlocking potential and driving growth.

The first piece of education legislation, going through Parliament at the moment, aims to pave the way for Skills England, a body that will find and fill skills gaps across the country.

In North West Leicestershire, there are estimated to be just over 1,000 apprentices currently on their course, with 100 having recently completed and 300 beginning their apprenticeship between August-October 2024.

The Ashby MP, speaking as part of National Apprenticeships Week, said: "Discussing Harry's journey in his current apprenticeship at Rolls Royce provided valuable insights into what young people are seeking from these programmes now and in the future.

Amanda Hack MP with Dawn Whitmore of SMB Group in Coalville

"We recognise that there is a genuine skills shortage that we must address.

"It is crucial to collaborate closely with Further Education colleges, which provide most of the courses supporting apprenticeship programmes.

"Locally, we have key sectors such as logistics, and I was pleased to see firsthand during a recent visit to SMB Group's Stephenson Campus in Coalville, how they are adapting to equip young people with essential skills for this sector.

"With more joined-up thinking between the education system, local leaders and employers, we can provide fantastic new opportunities for local people, either just starting out or looking to re-skill, getting people into work with the skills for the future, not just today."

Dawn Whitemore, Principal and CEO of SMB College Group said: "The difference that we make to individuals, businesses, local communities and the national economy through the delivery of a wide range of apprenticeships is something that we are very proud of here at SMB College Group. 

"It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with Amanda recently and to showcase our fantastic facilities.

"We were also able to show Amanda our amazing vocational lecturers doing what they do best, and give her the opportunity to see our apprentices actively undertaking their training – this is exactly what we need our local MPs to be taking an interest in.

"I am looking forward to working closer with Amanda to ensure we make a difference to those that we serve."