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Emma Reynolds: Government must get a grip on apprenticeships

Emma Reynolds has called on the Government to 'get a grip' over apprenticeships.

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Emma Reynolds

The Wolverhampton North East MP warned that low take up figures were proof that young people were 'missing out' on the opportunities that apprenticeships can offer.

Speaking ahead of a visit to TATA Steel in Wednesfield, she said she was 'very concerned' about a 60 per cent fall in apprenticeships over the last 12 months.

The Labour MP raised the issue with Theresa May during Prime Minister's Questions earlier this week.

"It is very worrying that Theresa May had no explanation for this drop," she said.

"It is clear that the roll out of the Government’s new apprenticeship levy has not gone as well as it should have.

"The Government needs to get a grip on this matter urgently or young people in Wolverhampton and across the country will miss out on the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide.”

Ms Reynolds' visit to TATA Steel is to mark National Apprenticeship Week. She is due to meet with apprentices who work on the production line to learn about their experiences.

She is also set to meet with students at the new University Technical College in Wolverhampton to talk about the value of apprenticeships.