Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset has hailed the latest group of apprentices produced by Weymouth College.
As part of National Apprenticeship week, Weymouth College held a special lunch event to celebrate the success of all its apprentices, attended by Richard Drax, students, and local employers.
Guest speaker, Tristan Pascoe, Politics Reporter for BBC South and a former colleague of Drax’s, spoke about his career as a journalist. Having left school at 16 with two ‘O’ levels and no idea of what he wanted to do, Pascoe started out in broadcasting by recording news scripts in his bedroom before being invited by the BBC for work experience.
“Apprenticeships are unbeatable as a way of earning while learning,” says Drax. “Not everyone is suited to academia; this is a brilliant way to develop skills and bridge the gap between education and employment. I am delighted to see so many young people taking this route towards a successful career and wish them the best of luck for the future.”
“I am also grateful to the many local businesses and organisations who have supported these apprenticeships. This has been an ongoing and successful government policy and we must ensure it continues.”
The Apprenticeship Fair was an early initiative pioneered by Drax in partnership with the College in 2014. The one-day event, combining local businesses, students and an inspirational speaker, has now evolved into Apprenticeship Week and the College attracts over 500 apprentices.