Simon Danczuk: Letter from Parliament

Simon Danczuk MP and Shah Ali, the apprentice Simon took on in 2012

Over the last two weeks, hundreds of students in Rochdale have been opening their A-Level and GCSE results.

While many will be aiming to go on to university to continue their studies, our town has been leading the way in offering an alternative route for youngsters looking to shape their future.

Earlier this year, figures showed that apprentices for 16 to 24-year-olds were being created three times faster in Rochdale than the Greater Manchester average.

Government plans to create three million more apprentices are welcome. But we need make sure that these are quality positions that are both beneficial to young people and help boost the economy.

In 2012, my office took on a 17-year-old who had recently completed his GCSEs and was looking for an alternative to sixth form college.

Three years later he has become an invaluable member of our team.

I’m a great believer in apprenticeships. Not only do they provide vital experience and a route into the world of work, but also make a workplace more diverse by bringing in a younger perspective.