On Friday 6th March, I co-hosted our 8th Annual Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair at Mote Park Leisure Centre alongside my neighbouring Kent Conservative MPs.
It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, with more than 1,200 students attending and over 43 local businesses and organisations taking part. Events like this give young people a valuable opportunity to speak directly with employers, training providers and industry representatives, helping them to better understand the wide range of career pathways available through apprenticeships.
Our young people need genuine and accessible options when it comes to planning their future. Apprenticeships provide an excellent route into skilled work, allowing people to earn while they learn while developing the practical skills that employers are looking for.
The next Conservatives government, under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, will create 100,000 new apprenticeships for 18–21-year-olds by lifting funding caps and giving employers up to £5,000 for every British apprentice they hire. This will help ensure more young people have the opportunity to gain the skills they need while supporting businesses to invest in the next generation.
Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event, and to all the businesses, schools, training providers and students who took part today. It was great to see so many young people engaging with employers and thinking positively about the opportunities ahead.
