THE region is a key pillar to propel the nation’s economy forward, the Universities and Science Minister said during a visit to the region yesterday.

David Willetts MP highlighted the need for an increased focus on industry and apprenticeships during a meeting with education and business leaders at Teesside University’s Darlington campus.

He also praised The Northern Echo’s Foundation For Jobs campaign, launched by The Northern Echo in January with Darlington Borough Council and the Darlington Partnership.

It aims to tackle youth unemployment and boost apprenticeships and work experience for local youngsters.

Mr Willetts, who opened the campus’ Executive Education Floor, said educational frameworks were needed to filter students into suitable channels and nurture their ability.

He added: “The focus is on employability. We have to get people into work, and universities have to focus on highquality teaching leading to employment.

“The Tees Valley has absolutely gripped that, but we need to overcome the challenges that face us. As a Government, we are unapologetic about our stance towards employment and industry.

“We cannot stand back and be distant from industry, we know we have to keep on investing in education and have doubled apprenticeships to around 400,000.

“We can always do more to link schools and colleges and employers, and I strongly back The Northern Echo’s initiative.

Young people become keen to learn when they can see what the point is, and that is why apprenticeships are so valuable.

“The Local Economic Partnership is a very good way of making these connections as it brings together educators and businesses, but local initiatives are also important and the Foundation for Jobs is a great way of promoting those links.”

He also visited Durham University’s Institute of Computational Cosmology (ICC) to unveil a £3.7m supercomputer that will help unlock the secrets of the universe.

ICC director Professor Carlos Frenk said: “Modern scientific research, from recreating the evolution of the universe to designing life-saving drugs, relies heavily on supercomputing – the new mathematics.”

Mr Willetts also saw a host of other innovative projects being undertaken at the university’s research institutes, including the Biophysical Sciences Institute, where he was briefed on new non-invasive optical technology that is making it possible to study the beating hearts of zebrafish.

He said: “We have a worldleading research base in the UK, thanks to excellent institutions like Durham University.”