I have some good news. Regular readers will know of my strong belief in apprentices, as it was the main subject of my first ever speech in the House of Commons.
Well, to put my money where my mouth is, I have agreed with Essex County Council and Harlow College, to have an Essex Apprentice working in my office from October. I believe that Government Offices should ensure that Apprentices work throughout Whitehall and Westminster - and that no Government contract should be tendered, unless it includes provision for Apprentices. In the House of Commons on Thursday, during Business and Skills Questions, I asked Apprenticeships Minister, John Hayes the following:
Commons Hansard, 8 July 2010 T2. [6704] Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Following the excellent plans for apprenticeships, is my hon. Friend the Minister aware that the local apprenticeship scheme run by Essex county council and Harlow college has agreed to place an Essex apprentice in my office from October? Will he also look into boosting apprentices in Whitehall and Westminster, and through Government contracts? The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr John Hayes): My hon. Friend has been a champion of apprenticeships since he arrived in the House and before. I congratulate him on his initiative in that respect. He will know that this Government have already transferred £150 million into the apprenticeship budget to create 50,000 more apprenticeships. I can announce today that one of them will be joining my office in Whitehall, and I invite other Ministers to do the same. P.S. You can read more HERE. P.P.S. More details of the Essex Apprenticeship scheme is HERE. by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com | 
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