Apprenticeships are so important to our young people’s future

This week marks National Apprenticeship Week – a celebration of apprenticeships and how they are helping to shape our workplaces. Apprenticeships are about learning on the job, not sitting in a classroom but getting out into the workplace and learning a new trade.

Who knows where an apprenticeship may lead – today half of the board at Rolls-Royce began their careers as apprentices. As did the likes of Jamie Oliver; the Formula One engineer Ross Brawn and Eric Clapton – who all started out as apprentices. Up and down the country hundreds of thousands of young people are following in their footsteps and realising the life-changing opportunity becoming an apprentice affords.

Here in Filton and Bradley Stoke we gained 850 new apprentices last year, an increase of 72%. And we are not alone: across the country there was a 63 per cent increase as 450,000 people started an apprenticeship last year. With yet more investment by the Government we are sure to see this number rise.

This week David Cameron announced businesses and training providers can bid for a share of the £6m Higher Apprenticeship Fund, which will support the development of new Higher Apprenticeships in sectors including aerospace, energy and renewable technologies. An additional £250m will be available to businesses to boost skills in their workplace.

So why do I think more people from Bristol and South Gloucestershire should be signing up for apprenticeships?

Many young people in our local area may leave school and not know which way to turn. One option may be university, another to travel in a gap year or simply work. But there is another option – becoming an apprentice. And the best thing is that this option allows you to earn and learn at the same time.

The second fantastic thing about apprenticeships is the skills they provide. More and more employers are saying that graduates and school leavers do not have the tools necessary for the working world. An apprenticeship is a great way of developing a young person’s skills, of tailoring them to the workplace.

But apprenticeships are not just a win for young people. They are beneficial to local businesses, such as Airbus, Rolls Royce, GKN and MBDA, which is why the Government has launched new initiatives to encourage more firms to take on apprentices. This way they can train people to their standard and in return get loyal staff and a quick recoup of their investment. As an added incentive from today any small business in our area who hires an apprentice aged 16-24 will be eligible for £1,500.

They are a boost for our economy – every £1 of public cash invested in apprentices returns an estimated £18 to the wider economy. This is vital at a time when new jobs and growth are what’s needed when we face the biggest economic crisis any of us have known.

Apprenticeships are a win for business, a win for young people and a win for the economy – that is why I am delighted that here in Bristol and South Gloucestershire we are adding more names to the growing list of people realising their potential through an apprenticeship.

Jack Lopresti MP welcomes growth in apprenticeships under Coalition Government at start of National Apprenticeship Week

Jack has welcomed new figures which show Coalition investment has led to a substantial rise in the number of apprenticeships since the last Labour Government.

Figures released last week show a 72% increase in Filton and Bradley Stoke since 2009, putting the total number at 850 in 2011.

This is welcome news at the start of National Apprenticeship Week which will see nationwide events to raise the profile of apprentices.

The Coalition has recently announced a new scheme of incentives for small employers to take on their first young apprentice. To encourage thousands of small firms that don't currently hire apprentices to take on a young apprentice aged 16 to 24, the Government will offer employers with up to 50 employees an incentive payment of up to £1,500. This will support up to 20,000 new apprenticeships in 2012/13. Details of how to apply will be announced by the Business department in the next few weeks.

Jack said,

"I am delighted that more and more people and employers in our local area have benefited from an apprenticeship thanks to the extra investment by the Government."

"Within weeks of forming a Government the Coalition committed to create 50,000 new apprenticeships and has already exceeded that number."

"Employers benefit from Government support for the costs of training their apprentices and they offer a fantastic opportunity for people to get on the job training that can lead to a fulfilling career."

Jack visits Big Society project in Staple Hill

David Cameron has made social entrepreneurialism a key part of his Big Society agenda. He wants to see individuals enabled to help themselves and others by using their own skills to give a direction and meaning to their lives that may have otherwise been lacking.

Kevin Neal set up the Compass Project in Staple Hill in May 2011, and he is helping ex-addicts to gain a structure and purpose to their lives that may otherwise be missing living on benefits. They are trained to do the work to bring the furniture up to scratch, giving them skills that can be brought before any new employer at interview, and are given a structure and purpose to their working day that will be necessary for any long term position they may find. Jack visited their site in Staple Hill for a tour of the premises and a chat about what they are trying to achieve.

'This is the perfect Big Society project,' commented Jack. 'I am hugely impressed with the vision Kevin has for the business, and the plans he has to help those less fortunate to gain skills and experience at the same time.'

Kevin is looking to grow the business and raise its profile, and has plans to increase the number of ex-addicts that he helps off benefits and into work. 'Kevin deserves a huge amount of credit for what he is doing. He recognises the limited amount that the state can do to help benefit recipients back into work, and it is through individuals like him that the Big Society will grow and flourish.'

Jack is pictured with Kevin at the Compass Project's premises, which can be found at 58/60 Broad Street, Staple Hill.

Holocaust Memorial Day

This week Jack Lopresti MP signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust.

Friday January 27th marks the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history – and in the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during their Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today.

In signing the Book of Commitment Jack paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust's Outreach programme.

In the weeks around Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to take a stand against racism and prejudice today – and to speak out against hatred wherever they encounter it.

Jack said:

"Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – and is an important opportunity to both remember the victims of genocide. I encourage all constituents to mark the day and to commit to 'speaking up and speaking out' against prejudice today."

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

"We are proud that Jack is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of bigotry."

Jack Lopresti MP joins call for more time on clock change bill

The Daylight Saving Bill was derailed by a small group of MPs on Friday but pressure is growing on the government to give the bill a fair hearing. Local MP Jack Lopresti has joined scores of other politicians and organisations calling for more parliamentary time to see it through.

The bill would mandate the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year. If this concludes that a change would be beneficial, the government will run a three-year trial of the new system, subject to consent from the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Even with huge support from over 140 MPs at Friday's debate, a couple of politicians were able to block the bill by simply running down the clock.

"The will of the house was for the Daylight Saving Bill to proceed. I, and many of my colleagues, set aside Friday to attend the debate after receiving a huge number of letters of support from constituents. Despite overwhelming support, a tiny minority employed wrecking tactics to scupper the bill. I am hopeful that the Government might give the bill more time - so it can have the hearing it deserves" said Jack.

10:10's Lighter Later campaign has been leading the campaign for clock change. The campaign has the backing of over 90 organisations working on an enormous range of issues, from sport and tourism to, road safety and environmental protection. "The support we saw on Friday is pretty unprecedented when it comes to a private members bill. It's imperative the government gives the bill more time" said Daniel Vockins, Lighter Later campaign manager.

Jack Supporting Action for Children

Jack Lopresti attended the parliamentary launch of Action for Children's landmark report into child neglect. The Filton and Bradley Stoke MP has added his name to the charity's petition, signed by over 16,000 members of the public, calling on the Government to intervene early to prevent and tackle child neglect, and will be writing to the Secretary of State for Education, asking him to do more to help neglected children.

The launch of the leading children's charity's review into child neglect, the first of a new annual series, has revealed that over half (51%) of social workers, and a third of police officers (36%) feel 'powerless' to intervene in suspected cases of child neglect. Over 4000 people, including the general public, a range of professionals, and 47 local authorities, took part in the research through polling and focus groups.

The charity has also found a worrying picture of neglected children getting trapped, rather than caught, in the safety net in place to protect them. Social workers questioned felt that the point at which they could intervene in cases of child neglect was too high (42%) and for those children who did meet the level at which they could start to help, many cited a lack of resources (52%) or support services to refer families to (43%) as barriers to acting.

Action for Children is calling on the Government to continue to support professionals to better understand and tackle neglect, and make sure that families who need it get help – as early as possible

Jack commented:

"Neglect corrodes childhoods, robbing the most vulnerable children of hope, happiness and life chances. The report points to the stark reality that neglected children and their parents are being identified, but neither the professionals nor the public feel empowered to help or intervene, particularly at the early stages.

I know that the Government is singing from the same hymn sheet as Action for Children and will continue to do all it can to support vulnerable children and parents. The Minister for Children, Tim Loughton MP made that clear at the launch and there is cross-party consensus on the issue."

Jack visits local Ambulance Service’s Emergency Operations Centre

Jack today visited the Emergency Operations Centre of the Great Western Ambulance Service in Bradley Stoke.

GWAS covers a large area stretching from Gloucestershire to Wiltshire, taking in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and includes his constituency of Filton and Bradley Stoke. The Emergency Operations Centre receives all emergency requests for an ambulance in the Bristol and Wiltshire areas.

Jack talked about the future challenges GWAS faces with Chief Executive Ken Wenman and Dr Ossie Rawstorne, the Chief Operating Officer. Currently the Trust is looking at a merger with the South Western Ambulance Service, and they talked Jack through the issues that this will bring with it for the Ambulance Service's resources and future performance. They also discussed some of the concerns the Service has in performing its day to day duties, principally waiting times when taking patients to hospital.

After this, Jack looked at the work of the telephony teams who take the calls, and was able to listen in to an emergency call. He also heard about the work they do to offer treatment over the phone, and looked at the state of the art computer system the Service utilises and the improvements in brings to its performance.

' I was enormously impressed with the facilities at the Emergency Operations Centre. I can reassure my constituents that they will receive an excellent service from the Great Western Ambulance Service, in particular from the dedicated staff who work there. I now have a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing the Service in the near future, and have offered to do all I can to help.'

Jack Lopresti MP calls for nominations for Rock the House

Jack Lopresti MP is supporting the second annual Parliamentary live music competition, Rock the House, and invites under-18s, solo artists, bands and live music venues in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency to write and nominate themselves.

The competition was founded by Mike Weatherley MP in support of the UK live music sector to raise the profile of intellectual property rights issues and counts rock legends Alice Cooper and Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Patrons.

Musicians and live music venues within the Filton and Bradley Stoke area can find all forms and information on the competition at www.rockthehouse2012.com and can send in their nominations to Jack at loprestij@parliament.uk.

Any musicians outside the constituency can still write to their own MP to nominate themselves to take part.

Prizes include music equipment; a chance to play at high profile festivals; and mingle with the great and the good of the music industry. Successful nominees will go forward to the national competition which will be judged by a panel of international music industry experts and musicians and the finalists will be announced on Friday 18th May. The finalists will take part in a battle of the bands to determine the winner on Wednesday 30th May and the winner in each category will perform live at a final competition reception on the Terrace at the House of Commons in the evening.

Jack said:

"There is a wealth of live music talent in my constituency, and I would urge all musicians and live music venues to fill in an application and send it to me. The recognition and contacts entrants can get from taking part is priceless and it would be great to put the constituency on the map for its artistic talent."

Founder, Mike Weatherley MP, said:

"The UK has a world-leading music and creative industry and this competition aims to celebrate the very best up-and-coming artists; and to raise the profile of intellectual property rights among politicians. I urge all unsigned musicians to fill in an application form and send a copy of their music to their MP."

Good News on Filton Police Helicopter

In 2010, I spoke to the Home Secretary to oppose plans to move the Filton police helicopter to Wiltshire (you can read the story here). After the announced closure of Filton Airfield last year, one of my first priorities was to ensure that the police helicopter was still able to operate out of Filton. I have been speaking with BAe to this end for several months, and I am delighted that they have delivered on their promise to allow the helicopter to continue operating from within the current airfield boundary. I hope that this will now pave the way for the continuation of police helicopter operations out of Filton for the foreseeable future.

You can read more about the latest developments on the Bristol Evening Post website here.

Jack Given Pledge Over Future of University Technical College

Last month I was contacted by a constituent who had read the following on the Save Filton Airfield website:

"The plan jeopardises Government funding for the proposed Bristol University Technical College next to Abbeywood Community School. This joint venture between University of West of England (UWE) and the City of Bristol College, with financial and technical support being offered by Airbus and Rolls-Royce, is aimed at producing high-calibre engineers through academic and apprenticeship routes, largely aimed at the aerospace industries based around the airfield. The funding decision has been deferred until the fate of the airfield is decided. The young people of Bristol stand to lose their future livelihoods."

Obviously concerned by this assertion, I immediately contacted the Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk, who responded with the following assurance:

"Contrary to what you have heard, I can confirm that in October the Secretary of State for Education approved the Bristol and South Gloucestershire UTC proposal to enter the pre-opening stage with a target date for opening in 2013.

"I understand the proposers' preferred site option is the former Filton High School site.

"Department for Education property advisers, Partnerships for Schools, have recently commissioned searches for possible alternative sites in order to ensure best value for money in securing an appropriate site for the UTC. There is however no connection between the timescales for that process and the closure of Filton Airfield".

I am pleased with the commitment from the Minister that the University Technical College will proceed as planned, and I hope this reasures anyone who has read the above statement on the Save Filton Airfield Website. I am disappointed that the Save Filton Airfield group have felt the need to resort to scaremongering and spreading misinformation to achieve their aims. This is obstructive to transparent and open debate over the future of the site, which could be of great benefit to the area if developed correctly.

I would call on the group to remove the incorrect information from their website and publish an apology as soon as possible so that local people can consider the issue whilst in posession of the full and correct facts.