MP Jackie Doyle-Price said there are “huge opportunities for construction apprentices in Thurrock” at the launch of the ‘I’m Backing Apprenticeships’ campaign in Parliament last week.

The Thurrock MP met with construction firms in Parliament, after the construction industry announced about 220,000 new workers are needed over the next five years. The campaign launch by the Construction Industry Training Board gave an opportunity for apprentices, employers and the Skills Minister Nic Boles and CITB Chairman James Wates to discuss the issues.

MP Jackie Doyle-Price said: “Increasing the number of people entering construction in Thurrock is vitally important, and I plan to do all I can to ensure my constituents are fully aware of the fantastic opportunities an apprenticeship can offer.

“Here in Thurrock there are huge opportunities in construction, indeed I am advised that wages are rising due to the volume of new building here. An apprenticeship in construction offers great earning potential in the future."

“I will be lobbying local schools and colleges for careers advice to better support vocational routes such as apprenticeships.”

A ComRes survey has shown 80 per cent of MPs agree that ‘full employment’ cannot be achieved without apprenticeships.

Meanwhile a report by Demos showed 72 per cent of the general public would prefer their children to go to university instead.