Shropshire Star Ladder campaign praised in Parliament
A Shropshire Star apprenticeships drive has been praised in Parliament by the chairman of a House of Commons select committee.
Robert Halfon, who is in charge of the Education Select Committee, hailed the Ladders for Shropshire, Staffordshire and the Black Country, which together generated more than 1,000 jobs.
He spoke during an event to launch a new national Ladder initiative.
Mr Halfon, MP for Harlow, said the campaign, which saw the Shropshire Star and its sister publication the Express & Star work with education partners to encourage employers to take on more apprentices, was a model for others to follow.
At a meeting to launch Ladder for England, the Conservative MP said: “The work you have done to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds is everything we should be doing in this country.
“Apprenticeships are the most incredible ladder of opportunity. Rung by rung they transform lives.”
The event was attended by representatives of the region’s Ladder partners including Shropshire Star publisher the Midland News Association (MNA), Black Country Chamber of Commerce, the regional LEP and training provider Performance Through People.
Kevin Davis, CEO of the Midlands-based charity The Vine Trust which was a partner in the Ladder campaign in our region, is to head the new foundation.
The Ladder for the Black Country was launched in the Express & Star in 2014 and spread to Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Chris Leggett, MNA marketing and communications director, said: “The MNA has been proud to be part of the first part of the Ladder story and look forward to helping Ladder for England to lift the lives of more young people.”
“It is great to have an organisation like the Ladder. It’s so important that you have grown this in the regions. I believe you can do a lot.
“Let’s make this a real success. You are starting a movement which can transform thousands of lives especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Mr Halfon is to be a co patron of the national Ladder Foundation which was officially launched in the House of Commons yesterday and aims to extend the campaign across the country.
Kerensa Jennings, director of the office of HRH Duke of York, attended to represent apprenticeships advocate Prince Andrew who is patron of the Ladder. As part of the development of the Foundation, The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award is being integrated into the programme to help Ladder apprentices become economically active in the digital economy.
Ms Jennings said: “The Ladder initiative has already made a transformational difference to many young people. It is vital that we help develop a digital workforce.”
“Integrating iDEA into the apprenticeship programme will introduce a range of digital, enterprise and employability skills to everyone who takes part in a fun and accessible way.”
