Hinkley C used as launch event for major new apprenticeship drive

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was today at Hinkley C to unveil new courses as part of a major apprenticeship drive - and meet with students.

The latest roles range from wind turbine technician to heat network maintenance technician and form part of the incoming Labour Government's 'Plan for Change'. 

Ms Phillipson said: "We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people.

“Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy.

“As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.” 

It comes after the Education Secretary revealed a 'boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices qualified each year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy'.  

Government figures suggest apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over their lifetime - almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time it was assessed in 2018.

Minister for Industry Sarah Jones added: “The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of apprentices with world-class experience.

“Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy security and protect billpayers.”

New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and civil engineers will further support the government’s Plan for Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available.

Today the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support.

The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. 

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.