A NORTH Essex MP has spoken in support of apprentices while addressing Parliament.

Witham MP Priti Patel also thanked businesses who attended her careers fair in March during questions to the Education Secretary in the House of Commons on Monday.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan praised the Essex businesses taking on apprentices, including Stansted Airport, Rose Builders, which has a base in Manningtree, and logistics firm Simarco, which has a base in Witham.

Ms Patel said: “Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for young people to start their careers and to earn and learn at the same time.

Gazette: Working together - Rose Builders were among the businesses at Priti Patel's careers fairWorking together - Rose Builders were among the businesses at Priti Patel's careers fair (Image: Priti Patel MP)

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“Thousands of local residents have already benefited from starting apprenticeships since 2010 and it is important that we keep on promoting these opportunities and thank those businesses who take on apprentices.”

Reflecting on the event in March, she continued: “Last month hundreds of school pupils attended the careers fair I organised, which was supported by more than 25 employers, and I was delighted to see the Secretary of State welcoming and praising all those businesses who attended and were offering apprenticeships.”

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Keegan confirmed more than 99 per cent of the apprenticeships budget was spent last year.