Unemployment is markedly down in this country and in Northampton North. When I first took office as MP for Northampton North in 2010 the share of people claiming out of work benefits in Northampton North was 5.5%. I am pleased to say that it is now just 2.6%. This is less than half of the amount claiming in 2010.
Over the past five years, I have held several annual “Michael Ellis Northampton Jobs Fairs” to help those seeking the security of a job. These proved very popular and successful, with thousands of visitors and dozens of companies taking part.
I am pleased to say that I am now beginning work on plans for a similar scale new event in the coming months- a Michael Ellis MP’s Northampton Apprenticeship Fair, to help ensure that younger people in the town are given the opportunity to begin a successful career in whatever field may interest them.
Apprenticeships are a fundamental part of our economy, both nationally and locally here in Northampton North. Not only do apprenticeships offer on-the-job training and career opportunities to the individual, they also provide a tried and tested way for businesses to recruit new staff and ensure that the necessary skills and work ethics are guaranteed when taking on a new employee.
The numbers of young people attending University are continuing to go up, and the number attending University from disadvantaged backgrounds is also rising which is great news- but University is not the only option available, and in a great many cases a young person may prefer to seek practical training.
I will be working with schools, colleges and many others in Northampton over the coming months to organise a Northampton Apprenticeship Fair- I believe that an apprenticeship is an effective and viable career option to take. I encourage any young people considering their future after school to attend this fair!
(Photo Above : Michael Ellis MP at his Northampton Jobs Fair at the Guildhall in 2014)