In her capacity as a Minister, Nus Ghani kicked off National Apprenticeship Week 2020, at the Transport Apprenticeship Fair.
The Fair featured a number of apprenticeship providers, including Transport for London who, joined by Nus Ghani, showcased some 500 schemes for young people, representing a promising first step into a fulfilling career in the transport sector.
Throughout the week, Ghani celebrated alongside maritime apprentices and providers of programmes, in Scotland. First, she met with the Scottish Maritime Cluster, at the City of Glasgow College, where she stressed the importance of concrete career options for motivated school leavers who do not want to take the university route. Then, she met maritime apprentices on board NLV Pharos at Babcock’s Rosyth facilities.
Apprentices from Wealden also joined in the celebrations in Westminster, as part of the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase. Louis Young and Joe McGinn (pictured below), from Ashdown Park Hotel, spoke about their choice of industry, the skills they have gained as part of the apprenticeship programme the establishment offers, and of their aspirations for their future in the luxury hotel industry.
Joe joined the scheme offered by Elite Hotels, the parent-company of Ashdown Park Hotel in 2007 and is now serving as Head Concierge at the reputable establishment. Louis, who joined the scheme only last year hopes to follow in Joe’s footsteps one day and praises the hands-on approach to learning that an apprenticeship offers.
In the midst of Apprenticeship Week proceedings, Nus Ghani stated:
‘This is one of the most important weeks of the year, as it serves as a point of contact between young people and the domains they are interested in working in. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn new skills whilst working and earning money. They are a valuable insurance of a bright future, both for our children and our country.’
‘Throughout the week, I was delighted to meet with talented and determined apprentices from across a wide selection of industries, in particular from the maritime sector. Their stories, achievements, and ambition have emboldened me to lobby public and private entities to offer more schemes aimed at young people.’
‘The Government holds apprenticeships, alongside the recently-announced increase of £7.1 billion in school budgets, and the new £3 billion “National Skills Fund”, as guiding lights for our children, on the path to the well-paid, green jobs of the future.’
