Age 16-18
New City College apprentices had the rare opportunity to quiz Prime Minister Keir Starmer on apprenticeships, skills and work opportunities during an exclusive session at Downing Street, followed by a private tour inside Number 10.
The group was invited for an informal Q&A in response to recent government announcements on the new Youth Guarantee, a policy designed to ensure every young person has access to training, education or tailored support into work.
Ellie, an electrical apprentice with PIP Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, opened the conversation by asking what support companies will receive to create more apprenticeship vacancies.
Lenny, training with TClarke and studying at New City College’s specialist Construction & Engineering Campus in Rainham, raised the issue of capacity. With the campus full and demand for construction skills rising, he asked whether additional funding would be made available to expand facilities.
The Prime Minister assured the group that apprenticeships and technical training remain a priority for the government, recognising the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for work.
James, a bricklaying apprentice with Galostar Ltd, questioned the impact of cuts to adult education funding and how older learners will access the skills needed for available jobs. Miguel, an electrical apprentice with CLC Facilities, highlighted that many construction sites require trainees to be 18 or over, asking what more can be done to ensure 16-year-olds can access meaningful, practical training earlier. The Prime Minister confirmed he would take this point away for further consideration.
Further questions came from Liam, an engineering operations apprentice with Siemens, who raised the importance of mental health support for young apprentices, and from Mustafa and Rhys, both electrical apprentices, who ended the session by asking the Prime Minister about life outside the political spotlight.
The apprentices, who study at New City College’s Hackney and Rainham campuses, are training across a range of trades including electrical installation, bricklaying, painting and decorating, and engineering. Some are at the beginning of their programmes; others are approaching completion.
Apprentices typically work four days a week and spend one day at college, earning a salary while developing the technical skills, confidence and experience needed for successful careers.
New City College is one of just 10 national Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTEC), offering outstanding facilities and pathways for young people, adults and apprentices to gain the skills that London and the wider region urgently need.
