Minister praises ‘dedicated staff and outstanding apprentices’ at Cambridge Regional College

Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Robert Halfon MP, praised the ‘dedicated staff and outstanding apprentices’ he met on an ‘inspirational’ visit to Cambridge Regional College.

The minister, who visited the college as part of a whirlwind tour to find out more about best practice in further education, apprenticeships and skills, described the college as ‘brilliant’ as he was welcomed by principal Mark Robertson.

During his visit he was accompanied by South East Cambridgeshire MP Lucy Frazer, and visited the college’s Park Restaurant where he met catering and engineering apprentices.

The minister also talked to employers CambsCuisine, a leading restaurant business and supporter of apprenticeships, before visiting the college’s training kitchens to meet first year catering apprentices – and trying one of their tasty dishes.

The visit was part of a three-day nationwide tour by the minister, who visited six colleges and 10 institutions on a trip focusing on best practice in skills and apprenticeships.

He said he was impressed by the college and its work.

“I have really enjoyed visiting Cambridge Regional College today and seeing the work they have been doing to encourage people to do skills-based training and apprenticeships,” he said.

“Apprenticeships offer a ladder of opportunity to learners of all ages ‎and all backgrounds and lie at the heart of our commitment to giving everyone the chance they deserve to get on.”

CRC principal Mark Robertson said it had been an excellent visit and the college was honoured to host the minister.

“We are absolutely delighted that the minister chose to visit CRC as part of his nationwide trip focusing on best practice in further education, apprenticeships and skills,” he said.

“He spent a lot of time talking to engineering and catering apprentices as well as employers and was impressed with everything he saw at the college. We hope to welcome him back again.”

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