Bridget Phillipson MP hits the campaign trail in west Cumbria

Bridget Phillipson, who is the MP for Houghton and Sunderland South and the shadow secretary of state for education, met with Josh MacAlister who showed her a number of initiatives taking place across the area.

They visited the Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor, faced a question-and-answer session (Q&A) with apprentices at the Gen2 facility in Lillyhall and met with voters where the subjects covered included Labour's proposed breakfast clubs initiative.

During the Q&A session, one of the apprentices asked if MPs should undertake apprenticeships and, speaking afterwards, she said it was a good question.

She added: "There were some brilliant questions and you always get the toughest grilling from children and young people - far more than would be the case often from adults. They will ask the question that no one else dares ask and that is what is so brilliant about it.

"I thought the point about apprenticeships for MPs demonstrates actually for all of us, right throughout our working lives, we should be taking on new skills, learning new things.

"While it's incredibly important that we get more apprenticeship starts we need to have more support right throughout their working lives to upskill and retrain. That is going to be even more vital in the years to come when we see big shifts in the economy and as we move towards new technologies in particular.

Josh MacAlister and Bridget Phillipson talk to apprentices at Gen2 in Lillyhall. (Image: Ian Duncan)

"That is why Labour's thinking around apprenticeship levy reform is focused on making sure that the adult workforce gets access to training and development too. We should see a cultural shift around attitudes towards learning and how important education is right throughout our lives... and that includes members of Parliament."

When asked about the importance of apprenticeships she said: "With National Apprenticeship Week last week and being here at Gen2 it's a really important opportunity to celebrate the brilliant work of our apprentices.

"Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for young people and it was wonderful to hear directly from so many young people today about the experiences they are having and the opportunities that are being provided.

"It concerns me that we have seen a drop off in the number of apprenticeship starts across our country. We need to do much more to change that. All young people get access to great ongoing pathways - whether that is through an apprenticeship, going to university or through entering the world of work. It is about having that range of options that are available."

She also praised the Gen2 facility and added: "It was fantastic to hear of the work they are doing engaging with local schools and engaging with the community to make sure that young people know what is out there.

Josh MacAlister, the Labour candidate for Whitehaven and Workington, talks to apprentices at Gen2 in Lillyhall. (Image: Ian Duncan)

"What was clear from the discussions that we had today with many of the young people here is that sadly young people are often not made aware that apprenticeships are an option.

"We need to address careers guidance within schools and determine that, if Labour wins the election, we make sure that there is guaranteed careers guidance in schools so that all young people know the opportunities that are out there and the work that Gen2 are doing in training the next generation is so incredibly important.

"It was really impressive to see the investment that is going in and the impact that is having, not just on the local economy, but for the individual young people too."

And she said Labour was currently gearing up for the looming general election. She said: "This is an incredibly important year for our country. It will determine the shape of things to come for many, many years and that is why I am delighted to be here campaigning alongside Josh MacAlister."

Mr MacAlister said: "It's brilliant to have Bridget here in west Cumbria, to have visits from what I will hope will be the next cabinet for the country, and I think it's a reflection of how important west Cumbria is to Labour and a new Labour Government.

"What Bridget has been able to see today is some of the brilliant history with the Howgill Centre and the great work that the community ae doing to step up and support families and also the fantastic collaboration between local businesses to support apprentices - there are well over 1,000 people doing courses at Gen2. The best of west Cumbria has been on show today."