Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Russell Excerpts
Monday 16th June 2014

(10 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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Through care to work, we have a specific programme to support care leavers to get into apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are part of our programme of ensuring that every young person in our country has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Bob Russell Portrait Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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If the Minister is looking for an example of best practice, I draw his attention to the scheme launched in Colchester earlier this year to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days. Through a partnership of the Colchester Institute, the Colchester Daily Gazette, and the National Apprenticeship Service, 160 apprentices were recruited.

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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I pay tribute to the Colchester Institute and the Colchester Daily Gazette. Many local papers get involved in promoting apprenticeships, because they are part of a culture change in our country. When young people leave school or college they can go to university or into an apprenticeship, both of which can help them reach their potential.