Kent MPs have welcomed the return of the Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair which took place last week.
Around 1,500 secondary school pupils from across Kent attended the event at the Maidstone Leisure Centre on Friday 11 March.
Over 50 employers were represented at the Fair from a wide range of sectors – including construction, finance, healthcare, hospitality, the military, and many more.
There was also a mobile vaccination centre at the event, providing Covid jabs to people who were not yet fully vaccinated.
The event was an opportunity for young people across the county to find out about the range of apprenticeships on offer locally and nationally.
Local MPs Tracey Crouch, Helen Grant, Tom Tugendhat, and Helen Whately once again organised the event. It’s the first time since February 2020 that the event has been able to go ahead on account of Covid restrictions.
Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, described the event as a “springboard for many exciting careers”. [full quote below]
Tracey Crouch comments: “The Apprenticeship Fair has become a real highlight for me as an MP, and so I was so pleased to be able to join my Parliamentary colleagues in welcoming both pupils and organisations back after two years. We had organisations that had previously attended return, as well as national and smaller local businesses attending for the first time. We had a record number of pupils attend and I was so pleased to speak with some exhibitors who had attended previous fairs as pupils and secured themselves quality apprenticeships.
“The event showed just how many different apprenticeships as well as degree level apprenticeships there are out there in various industries, I look forward to inviting even more organisations in 2023.”
Helen Grant comments: “I was overwhelmed with the number of pupils who attended this year’s Fair, and it was fantastic to see so many of them locked in conversation with potential employers.”
Tom Tugendhat comments: “It was brilliant to be back at the Apprenticeship Fair once again after too many years apart.
“So many students are now learning that higher education comes in many forms and those who attended got the chance to chat and network with local and national companies to find out what opportunities they have to offer.
“Events like this are vital in showcasing that there is much more out there for those who many not want to choose a future at University and I am already looking forward to next year’s event and see what more we can do to make these career opportunities more accessible for all students.
“If you know a business that should come, or a student who should meet them, please get in touch so that we can make sure they’re invited next year”
Helen Whately comments: “‘It was fantastic to have the Apprenticeship Fair back up and running. We had global employers like Amazon and McDonald’s, and some really important businesses based in this area like Shepherd Neame, MEP Ltd, and Bedfont Scientific - meaning there was something for everyone on show. It was wonderful to go round and listen to students and employers making plans for some very bright futures
“Leaving school and entering the world of work is a big step in all of our lives. Apprenticeships offer a fast-track to develop skills while working and earning.”
Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi MP, comments: “Huge congratulations to the Kent MPs behind the Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair. It’s great that this event is able to take place once again, giving students in Kent the chance to explore the brilliant apprenticeship opportunities available in their local area and around the UK.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to develop the skills they need to progress and secure a rewarding career in a huge range of exciting and in-demand industries. I’m sure the Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair will be a springboard for many exciting careers.”
