MPs backing apprentice campaign for tackling youth crisis

The drive to create new apprenticeships was launched in the Express & Star this week and

Dudley North MP Ian Austin said: "Congratulations to Kevin Davis, the Vine Trust and Express and Star and everyone else involved in Ladder for the Black Country.

"I think we need to make education and skills our number one priority because the only way we'll attract the new investment and jobs, on which the Black Country's prosperity depends, is by having the skills new industries need.

See also: Council bosses will work 'non-stop' to combat Wolverhampton's unemployment problem.

"Young people in the Black Country deserve the opportunities those elsewhere take for granted and with long-term youth unemployment at twice the national average, we need every employer in the public sector and as many private sector businesses as possible providing work experience places and employing apprentices."

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said: "This is a fantastic initiative by the Express & Star to make a real difference to so many people's lives. We have seen a enormous explosion in apprenticeships and a realisation that actually they can make such a difference in getting the right skills into the business but also giving young people the opportunity to get themselves into a career that will give them security and the opportunity proper."

See also: 'I tried for 1,500 jobs' says apprentice.

He added: "There is always something for everyone with apprentices and getting local businesses to realise the opportunity of them and what the Express & Star is doing will make a real difference to the lives of young people across the Black Country and Staffordshire."

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden: "Nothing is more important than giving young people the best start in life. I strongly support this initiative to create apprenticeship opportunities and I hope it has a real impact on youth employment in our area."

Wolverhampton South West MP Paul Uppal said: "This is very positive campaign. Having been through social mobility myself I love the idea of it being a ladder and taking steps upwards.

"Government can only lay the platform – it is up to businesses to maximise the opportunities."

Emma Reynolds MP for Wolverhampton North East said: "Apprenticeships offer a clear path to a successful career. They are both good for businesses and good for young people.

"Any steps to create additional apprenticeships in the Wolverhampton area is to be welcomed and I want to congratulate the Express and Star for launching this campaign. I hope it will help the apprentices acquire valuable skills and find permanent employment."

West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson: "It is great to see the Express & Star taking a lead on this important policy area. Young people in the Black Country need work and this is the way they can develop the essential skills to make our economy better again."

See also: Apprentice campaign gets off to a flying start.

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier: "I think this an incredibly good initiative for a number of different reasons.

"Firstly, we have a skills gap. A familiar problem across the reason is that there are jobs but we don't have people with the skills to do the job.

"Apprenticeships provide that mix. In this world where there is an obsession around degrees we forget the apprenticeships create an especially valuable alternative. I am delighted to throw my full weight behind this scheme."