Minister visits Barnfield

Apprentices Minister Iain Wright has paid his first official visit to Barnfield College as part of Apprenticeship Week.

The week was marked by conferences, seminars, receptions and other events across the country to recognise the importance of apprenticeships.

Last year saw the start of the Barnfield Apprenticeship Academy Scheme (BAAS), the first in the country, under which 25 public sector apprentices were employed in Luton including 10 at the College.

Mr Wright, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for 14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships, met Chief Executive Pete Birkett who is the Government's Apprenticeship Champion.

He also met several BAAS apprentices to discuss their progress and the pioneering Barnfield scheme.

The Minister and Pete Birkett with the apprentices

Pete Birkett, who chairs a national apprenticeship group for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, said: "Barnfield has pioneered a high quality public sector apprenticeship scheme which will equip our young people with the skills and confidence necessary for a good career.

"Our initiative means that Luton will not be hit by a skills shortage when the better economic times return."