Lee Dillon MP visited British Gas Academy, Thatcham, for National Apprenticeship Week, meeting new apprentices and viewing training facilities.
Kasie and Jordan, Home Install Apprenticeship Programme apprentices, showed Mr. Dillon around. They shared their experiences, learning technical, sales and service skills.
The award-winning Thatcham Academy is one of four British Gas training centers. Apprentices gain hands-on experience, learning about smart meters, heat engineering, and electrical systems.
A key feature is the Green Hub. Trainees learn about heat pumps and EV charging points. These skills are increasingly needed as the UK aims for net zero emissions.
Mr. Dillon enjoyed his visit, meeting apprentices shaping the energy sector’s future. The training provides technical skills and prepares them for real work.
Mr. Dillon is advocating for more government support. He suggests using the levy for short courses to help people retrain and fill skills gaps, particularly in green energy and engineering.
A survey indicates strong public support, viewing apprenticeships as job security and skill-building opportunities. British Gas plans to offer new apprenticeships this year, aiming to train many apprentices by 2030.