Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, has marked National Apprenticeship Week by meeting Sophia, a local constituent from Yelverton, at the ADS Apprenticeships Reception in Parliament, celebrating the role apprenticeships play in opening doors to skilled careers.
Sophia works for Collins Aerospace and made history as the first female engineering apprentice at the company. She attended Ivybridge Community College and is now building a successful career in engineering through the apprenticeship route.
Miss. Smith praised Sophia’s achievements as a powerful example of how apprenticeships can transform lives while helping businesses access the skilled workforce they need.
Miss. Smith said:
“It was a real pleasure to meet Sophia in Parliament and to hear first-hand about her journey into engineering. As the first female apprentice in her field at Collins Aerospace, she is a fantastic role model for young people across our area.
“Her story shows exactly why apprenticeships matter – they give people the chance to earn, learn and succeed, while providing businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow.”
Apprenticeships are a vital pathway into skilled employment, particularly in sectors such as engineering and aerospace. However, the number of new apprenticeship starts remains below previous levels, highlighting the need for greater investment and reform.
Miss. Smith reaffirmed that the Conservatives are committed to expanding high-quality, employer-led apprenticeships, increasing investment and ensuring training aligns with the needs of businesses.
In her closing remarks, Miss. Smith urged local people and businesses to take part in a skills and apprenticeships survey she has launched to inform her work in Parliament.
“Backing skills is central to the Conservative’s plan for growth. That’s why I want to hear directly from apprentices, employers and training providers through my local apprenticeships survey. Your views will help me continue to champion high-quality apprenticeships for our area and make the strongest possible case for skills-led growth in Parliament.”
Miss. Smith thanked ADS for hosting the reception and highlighted the importance of celebrating local success stories like Sophia’s during National Apprenticeship Week. She also encouraged apprentices, employers and training providers across the constituency to complete her apprenticeships survey, which can be filled out here: www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-national-apprenticeship-week.
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