Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has praised Cambridge Regional College’s Apprenticeship programmes as a model for the rest of the country.
The leader of the Liberal Democrat Party visited the college and toured its SmartLife construction training centre and brickwork department, where he talked to apprentices – and even tried his hand at bricklaying.
Mr Clegg picked up some tips from 19 year-old apprentice Nico Cox before having a go at the job himself, getting to work with a trowel as he laid a brick watched by the professionals.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who was visiting the college to find out more about its successful Apprenticeship scheme, was shown around the campus by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert and CRC principal Anne Constantine, along with vice-principal Steve Caley and head of construction John Malone.
Mr Clegg, who last year launched the £1 billion Youth Contract to provide new work opportunities for young people, said he was very impressed by the college’s “ambitious” Apprenticeship provision, with more than 2,000 apprentices currently in training.
“I think Cambridge Regional College is a real model of the kind of expanded Apprenticeship approach that I would like to see up and down the country,” he said.
“In a place like Cambridge, which is so famous for its university, it’s worth remembering that vocational skills and vocational qualifications should be supported, cherished and celebrated just as much as a university degree.
“Employers say to me they would take on more young people if only they had the right skills. It is crucial the government works hand in glove with colleges like this so that young people do have the right skills, because that in turn will help them find work.”
During his visit, Mr Clegg talked to carpentry apprentices working on the erection of a timber-frame house in the award-winning SmartLife construction centre. He chatted to the students about their courses and their employment as apprentices, finding out more about the details of their programme.
And he met the CRC’s newest governor, James Hutt, a former apprentice at the college who now runs his own successful heating company, employing a number of apprentices.
Mr Clegg also took time out to be interviewed by young student reporters from CRC’s Banter magazine and Core Radio station, answering questions on politics, football and the new Youth Contract.
Afterwards, he described his visit as “wonderful” and said it was great to see Cambridge Regional College’s “ambitious Apprenticeship programme”.
CRC Principal Anne Constantine said: “We were delighted to welcome the deputy prime minister to the college and show him some of our extensive Apprenticeship provision. Nick Clegg talked to several apprentices about their employment and training, and visited the fantastic facilities we have at the College.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also held a private meeting with members of CRC’s senior management team and governors, before moving on to a meeting with senior Liberal Democrats from across the region, held in the College’s restaurant.