Polly has visited a number of local businesses that are hosting apprentices. After the visit, she said she felt hugely optimistic about the future of Thanet’s young workforce and that apprenticeships are a vital tool for tackling Thanet’s stubborn youth unemployment rate.

She visited local employers including WW Martin, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, and The Perfect Place to Grow, where she met bosses and apprentices who were working hard to boost the local economy and forge a career for themselves.

The visits coincided with the announcement that the Labour government is making changes to the national apprenticeship programme to make placements more flexible, increase the number of apprenticeships available, and boost the economy.

The new policies, which were widely welcomed by employers, are expected to enable an additional 10,000 young people to undertake an apprenticeship every year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.

After the visits she said:

“Thanet’s youth unemployment rate of 10.1% is one of the highest in the country, and we know that coastal communities like ours face unique challenges when it comes to building a year-round economy with well-paid and secure jobs. It’s been fantastic to visit some really inspiring local businesses over the past week who are forging ahead with giving people the skills they need to get a leg up onto the career ladder.

Increasing access to apprenticeships is essential for tackling youth unemployment, so the changes to the scheme announced by the government are really welcome for making sure that even more Thanet businesses can take on an apprentice in the coming years. I have left these visits feeling really optimistic about the future of Thanet’s young workforce.”