TRAFFORD College welcomed a Cabinet minister to its Centre for Science and Technology.

During his visit, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid MP, was keen to find out more about the work being undertaken by the college with apprentices.

He was welcomed to the campus, in Talbot Road, Stretford, by college principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, and Trafford Council leader Sean Anstee.

Also joining them for a question and answer session and a tour of the facilities were some of the college’s current cohort of apprentices, who were keen to put their questions to the minister about apprenticeships and progression onto higher qualifications.

Since its launch in 2013, Trafford College’s Centre for Science and Technology has positioned itself as one of the leaders in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematicS - training in Greater Manchester, working alongside some of the most significant employers in the region.

The centre aims to tackle the issue of skills shortages in the area of STEM, enabling the growth of employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

Mr Javid said during his visit on March 24: “I would like to thank council leader Sean Anstee and Trafford College principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, for inviting me along to meet apprentices at the college and find out about the STEM centre, which is helping to equip the science and engineering workforce of the future.

“Nationally the Conservatives are committed to seeing three million apprenticeships created by 2020 giving young people the chance to earn a salary and gain a qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience.

"Trafford is a shining example to other councils and will play an important part in the Northern Powerhouse, something I’m sure these young apprentices will play a key role in.”

Cllr Anstee said: “I was delighted to showcase the fantastic facilities available to apprentices at Trafford College to the Minister and would like to thank College principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, for showing us around. N

"Nearly 6,000 young people have started an apprenticeship in Stretford and Urmston since 2010 and I’m pleased that Trafford Council has a close working relationship with the college ensuring good employment prospects for the next generation.”

Sir Bill Moorcroft added, “We were delighted to welcome the minister to the college and to showcase our outstanding facilities at the centre, as well as demonstrating the vital work currently underway with our young apprentices who are flourishing as a result of their training and world-class surroundings.

"The minister was keen to make the most of the opportunity to spend time with a group of our new apprentices and find out more about their experiences of their apprenticeship programmes and their future plans. He was particularly impressed by our industry standard facilities in which our young learners can hone their craft, as well as hearing more about our close links with some of the borough’s leading employers.”