Providing young people with the best possible start in life and equipping them with the skills they need to have a fulfilling career is a matter close to my heart.

In Fareham, we have a large number of innovative and growing businesses producing cutting edge technologies in areas as diverse as the design and manufacturing of helicopter engines, to underwater robotics. At the heart of these businesses are the apprentices they employ and train.

I have always been proud to support apprenticeships in Fareham. I am also proud of our record on supporting more young people to pursue this rewarding career choice.

In 2009/10 the number of apprenticeships starts in Fareham was only 420. Under this Government we have seen that figure more than double to 860 starts in 2016/17.

In the South East we have seen the number of apprenticeship starts has increased from 39,120 to 62,850 between 2009/10 and 2016/17.

Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to learn a valuable skills, while earning at the same time.

They don’t just enormously benefit the individual, but also wider society by enabling us to have a skilled workforce and the economy as a whole by raising productivity in the businesses they join.

This year, my annual Apprenticeship Fair falls on National Apprenticeship Week and allows employers and apprentices to come together encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

This year's fair is sponsored by Silver Lining, Fareham College, RJG Accountants, Saab, Eaton, Armorgard, Barnbrook Systems and Estee Lauder Companies. There will also be a range of hubs and workshops offering guidance and advice to jobseekers, along with companies with real jobs on offer. This fair is one not to be missed! It will take place between 10.00 and 15.00 at Ferneham Hall, on Thursday 8th March.

Allan Packer Managing Director of Silver Lining wrote: “we are delighted to be sponsoring the Fareham Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair this year, and look forward to meeting students and candidates from the area who are looking to develop their skills and begin the move towards a career. At Silver Lining, we have long supported the apprenticeship scheme, by developing roles within IT, graphic design, accounting and human resources. We are sure this year’s event will be a great success and look forward to continuing to support the area’s workforce”