Apprentices from e2v recognised at a reception held by the Deputy Prime Minister

The following press release was issued by the office of the Deputy Prime Minister today

APPRENTICES FROM CHELMSFORD RECOGNISED AT RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Reception held to celebrate the contribution of apprentices

Apprentices from a Chelmsford-based company were recognised for their achievements at a reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister to celebrate apprenticeships and showcase the contribution they make to the economy.

Lewis Wootton (20) and Rebecca Lockwood (18), from e2v technologies, attended the reception at Admiralty House, Whitehall, last night (Wednesday 13 March) alongside other outstanding apprentices from across the country. The pair were invited after the Deputy Prime Minister was impressed after visiting the company last May.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“Apprentices not only make an invaluable contribution to their employer, but to the economy as a whole.

“We’ve seen a record number of businesses clamouring to take on apprentices and that’s because they know what a huge difference the talent and ambition they bring can make. We’re also making it simple and rewarding for companies to take on apprentices – from mechanics to the hospitality trade.

“I was delighted to welcome Lewis and Rebecca to Admiralty House, after being hugely impressed when I visited e2v technologies. It’s clear they are making a valuable contribution and their hard work now will no doubt set them up for a bright future.”

More than 11,920 people started apprenticeships in Essex last year, nearly double the number starting apprenticeships in the country two years ago.

The reception, held as part of National Apprenticeship Week, was attended by apprentices the Deputy Prime Minister has met, as well as runners up and winners of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2012. It was also held to launch a new campaign, Made by Apprentices, which will highlight the creative talents of apprentices by showcasing their work.

National Apprenticeship Week celebrates and promotes apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy. Record numbers of businesses are taking on apprentices and the number of new apprenticeships nationwide increased last year by around 14 per cent, topping the half a million mark.

Apprenticeships bring vast benefits to the economy with apprenticeships forecast to contribute £3.4 billion to the economy by 2022. The average apprentice increases business productivity by £214 a week.

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Notes to editors

1) A photograph of Lewis and Rebecca meeting the Deputy Prime Minister at the reception is attached. L-R Andy Bennett (Head of Corporate Communications), Rebecca Lockwood, Lewis Wootton.

2) For more details on the reception please contact Katherine Pateman in the Deputy Prime Minister’s press office on 020 7276 0516.

3) e2v technologies is an advanced technology manufacturer. Lewis is currently studying for a HNC in Electronics after completing the core three year apprenticeship scheme in 2011 before moving into a technician role. Rebecca is an apprentice technician having recently started her apprenticeship. e2v currently employs 33 apprentices. For more information on e2v technologies please contact Andy Bennett on 01245 453 296 or andy.bennett@e2v.com

4) A more detailed breakdown of the numbers of apprenticeships by region is attached.