An MP has praised the value of apprenticeships following a visit to a national training provider.
Alan Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, visited the Spennymoor headquarters of Learning Curve Group, a national provider of training and education programmes, to meet apprentices and discuss employment opportunities for young people in County Durham.
During the visit, Mr Strickland met apprentices in recruitment, human resources and marketing, and spoke with CEO Tracey Fletcher-Ray about the role of apprenticeships in supporting regional employers across established and emerging sectors.
Mr Strickland said: "It was great to visit Learning Curve and hear directly from apprentices about their experiences and what they hope to do next.
"We have some fantastic opportunities in Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, and it was really encouraging to meet apprentices who are gaining valuable qualifications and taking their first steps into employment locally."
The visit comes ahead of the final recommendations from the Young People and Work review, which is examining the rising number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
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The review’s interim report, published in May, revealed that 84 per cent of NEET young people want to enter work, education or training.
Ms Fletcher-Ray said: "It was fantastic to welcome Mr Strickland to our headquarters and meet some of our apprentices first-hand.
"Apprenticeships offer a valuable route into employment, and as an organisation headquartered in County Durham, we are proud to be creating opportunities locally and supporting young people in the first steps of their careers."
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