Gordon Birtwistle & Burnley Liberal Democrats

Gordon Birtwistle, MP for Burnley and Padiham, is today celebrating the success of his apprenticeship campaign for companies to take on 100 apprentices in 100 days. On the back of this success, Gordon has also announced that he intends to take on an apprentice in his own office.

The ’100 in 100′ apprenticeships campaign was launched by Gordon Birtwistle MP whilst hosting the North West Manufacturing Conference at Burnley College earlier this year. Gordon challenged the manufacturing and engineering companies present to take on 100 new apprentices between them, and extended this challenge to other companies in Burnley. Within 100 days, participating organisations had taken on a total of 103 apprentices, and many others have indicated that they have plans to take on apprentices within the next year. Gordon will be keeping in touch with the companies involved, and will continue to do all that he can to promote the benefits of apprenticeships at every opportunity

Commenting, Gordon Birtwistle MP said:

“It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm with which these companies have leapt up to meet the challenge I laid before them at the Conference. Burnley has so many opportunities for those with the skills to take them up and apprenticeships are the best way for young people to gain those skills – first hand and on the job.”

“With youth unemployment so high it is crucial that we continue to encourage more apprenticeships, not only for today but to help build the skills Burnley needs for the future. Recent figures show a fantastic increase in apprenticeships in Burnley and Padiham this year– an increase of 73% on the previous year – and we need to continue building on this success.”

“We owe it to the next generation to provide them with the tools they need to succeed; between the Pupil Premium for schools, the coming University Technical College and our drive for apprenticeships I think that we are making excellent progress in doing so.”

“As a further show of my commitment to apprenticeships and to do my own part towards directly helping a young person find work, I will also be taking on an apprentice in my own office in the near future.”

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