A GOVERNMENT minister has spoken of the “critical” role apprenticeships will play in the future of education during a visit to Askham Bryan College.

Anne Milton, Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, toured the agricultural college near York and met members of staff and students to highlight the important work the college is doing. The college has around 800 apprentices studying everything from hairdressing to agriculture to vet nursing, and the visit took place during National Apprenticeship Week.

“Apprenticeships are absolutely critical to the future of this country,” said the minister.

“There is a shortage of skills in this country, actually there is a world shortage of skills, and every country around the world knows we have to do something to make sure young people grow up with not just knowledge, but skills.

“The automatic assumption of parents is their child should go to university if they have done A-levels. Actually the world has changed and what it is about now is not what you know, but what skills you’ve got.”

The minister also touched on the enthusiasm and enjoyment youngsters show for their apprenticeships. “What is really striking is that once you talk to a young person you realise how important apprenticeships are,” she added.

“Maybe their parents wanted them to go to university or wanted them to do A-levels, but this is what they want to do and this will give them the skills they need.”

Catherine Dixon, chief executive of Askham Bryan College, added: “We showcased our further and higher education provision, demonstrating the range of opportunities for students from foundation learning to degrees, all of which will widen participation enabling young people to succeed irrespective of their background.”