Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has asked the Chancellor what is being done to support the engineering sector.
During the Chancellors statement on Thursday announcing further economic measures to protect businesses and jobs over the coming months as we fight the current pandemic.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “This week is Tomorrow’s Engineers Week and as the former Engineering Envoy I am very keen to see our vital engineering sector to continue to thrive and prosper.”
I thank my right hon. Friend for all that he has done during this challenging time to support jobs and businesses. As he will know, this is Tomorrow’s Engineers Week. As the former engineering envoy, I am keen to see our vital engineering sector continue to thrive and prosper, so will my right hon. Friend tell the House what steps are being taken to ensure that the engineering sector has full access to and participates in the excellent kickstart scheme, to bring on the talent of the future?”
The Chancellor replied: “My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for the engineering sector, which he cares deeply about and has spoken to me about previously. He is right: it is important that we train the engineers of tomorrow, and what better time than Tomorrow’s Engineers Week? I would be happy to talk to him and any organisations that he wants to connect me with to make sure that the sector fully benefits from the opportunities we are providing for companies to take on bright new people and provide them with a better future.”
Stephen added: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to ask the Chancellor what steps are being taken to ensure that this sector has the support it needs.
I was therefore pleased to receive assurances from the Chancellor and very much welcome his offer to speak with organisations to ensure that the engineering sector is fully benefitting from the opportunities that the Government is providing.’’
