Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw visited DCET Training to learn more about proposed changes to funding for apprentice training.
The Labour backbencher spoke to staff at the Marsh Barton headquarters of DCET, formerly Devon and Cornwall Electrical Training, after the Electrical Contractors' Association and others voiced concerns about the prospect of increased workloads for employers and a potential reduction in the number of apprentices in training.
Mr Bradshaw outlined some of the questions he was already asking about the funding changes and the way he had already referred matters to his party's front bench team.
Centre manager Joanne Gallichan took the MP through real life examples of the complex administration behind successful apprenticeship training, including everything from candidate selection, aptitude tests, registration with City & Guilds, progress monitoring and claiming funding.
Concerns about increased burdens falling on employers and learners were reinforced by employer James Brooks and his apprentice Dan Hamilton.
Finally, the MP sat down for a discussion with Jamie Rail and Peter Oldham, two directors of DCET and sister company Focus Training.
Focus Training also offer Apprenticeship training, particularly in the areas of health care, hospitality and business administration and are faced by the same issues.
Jamie and Peter explained that the South West, in particular, was likely to be hit hard by the proposed changes as the area had so many small employers. In spite of massively committed employers, the best Apprenticeship training in the UK, according to the Government's own figures, could well be under threat. Nationally 80% of Apprenticeship training is carried out by specialist trainers like DCET and Focus.
Mr Bradshaw said: "It was great to hear first-hand about some of the concerns about the proposed changes.
"The purpose of my visit was to ensure I was as well equipped as possible to lobby and ask the right questions about any proposed changes and I think we achieved this.
"My commitment to apprenticeships is shared by my party and I will do my best to ensure the current enthusiasm among employers for recruiting apprentices continues. I enjoyed my brief visit to DCET."
Mr Rail added: "It was great to see the local MP taking a keen and genuine interest in our concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on apprenticeship numbers.
"Ben has asked us to provide further information and this is already on its way to him."
