THE Chancellor the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, used a visit to Earley on Friday to praise apprentices.
While national media was invited to the visit, Reading Today wasn’t. This is a problem that has been frequently encountered by the regional press in recent months. As a result, this report is based on information supplied by the Treasury’s press office.
Mr Sunak headed to Microsoft UK’s Thames Valley Park offices where he met CEO Clare Barclay, and some of the firm’s digital apprentices.
He visited a ‘hackathon’ challenge aimed at maximising digital technology, and also led a panel discussion.
In the treasury statement, Mr Sunak said: “I was delighted to visit Microsoft’s UK headquarters to see first-hand the positive impact that apprentices can have on companies large and small, from all sectors and areas of the UK.
“Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our Plan for Jobs and play an essential role in boosting our economy, creating jobs and transforming people’s lives.”
Ms Barclay said: “Since launching in 2010, the Microsoft Apprenticeship Network has helped 30,000 apprentices to build a technology career.
“Apprenticeships combine a job with qualification-led training and the opportunity to put skills into practice. This is a powerful combination that is unlocking opportunity and growth for individuals and employers in every sector of the economy – from finance, fashion and healthcare, to manufacturing, charities, sports clubs and government.”
She added: “We want to help people get the right skills to thrive in technology careers, and employers find the right talent to help drive business success and UK prosperity. Together, we can build a future based on long-term sustainable growth.”
His visit follows the launch of a new flexi-job apprenticeship, aimed at helping up to 1,500 people complete short placements such as construction and creative industries.
Among those taking part in the £5 million scheme are the BBC and the NHS.
