APPRENTICES from the North East have travelled to Westminster to tell MPs how work-based training is transforming their lives.

The apprentices from Home Group, a North East-based national social housing provider, met with politicians yesterday including Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson.

The group included Matt Blake, 29, from Deckham, Gateshead, and Mirsad Suljic, 25, from Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle.

Mr Blake, who is an apprentice in event coordination, said: “Coming to the House of Commons and speaking with MPs has been a really good experience.

“Since joining Home Group I’ve become involved in events which have widened my experience of the working world.”

The visit was organised as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until Friday, and to promote the Gosforth-based company’s plan to create more than 200 apprenticeship or work experience roles.

Sarah Borien, Home Group’s apprenticeship delivery manager, said: “It was great to travel to Westminster and get a chance to speak with MPs face-to-face.

“We really got a chance to impress upon these key decision-makers just how important apprenticeships can be for those who want to enter the world of work, yet continue to learn and gain qualifications at the same time.

“The apprentices spoke about how they enjoyed combining the practical side of work with the opportunity for further study.

“ We believe that when they do move on to find full time employment the experience they’ve gained from working with one of the North East’s largest companies combined with their qualifications will give them an edge in the competitive jobs market.”

Meanwhile, a new study has shown that fewer than one in five parents believe apprenticeships have the same status as university education.

The survey of 400 working parents by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) also showed that almost half thought apprenticeships were more appropriate for manual or blue-collar jobs.

The research, published at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, revealed that only one in 10 parents said apprenticeships were their preferred qualification for their children.

More information, especially in schools, or more placements offered by employers would make a difference to their views, said the report.

We got a chance to impress on these key decision-makers just how important apprenticeships are