GOVERNMENT minister Matthew Hancock will be the guest of honour at the Halesowen and Rowley Regis Apprenticeship and Skills Fair.

The Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning will be opening the event on Friday, May 3, which is the brainchild of James Morris MP.

He will also be speaking at an event for local businesses on the morning of the apprenticeship fair, to listen to their views on addressing the skills gap facing local employers.

Mr Morris said: “I am delighted that Matthew Hancock will be coming to the Apprenticeship and Skills Fair next month, underlining the priority that the Government places on promoting apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way for young people, who might not want to go to university, to build a good career.

“There will be a lot of different organisations at the Fair with a lot of opportunities available for local people and so I would urge anybody looking for an apprenticeship – or wanting to find out more – to come along on May 3.”

National Express West Midlands, Jaguar Land Rover, Sandvik and Hadley Group have already confirmed that they will be attending the event, which runs from 10am until 3pm at the Zion Christian Centre.

Mr Morris said: “I am delighted that Matthew Hancock will be coming to the Apprenticeship and Skills Fair next month, underlining the priority that the Government places on promoting apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way for young people, who might not want to go to university, to build a good career.

“There will be a lot of different organisations at the Fair with a lot of opportunities available for local people and so I would urge anybody looking for an apprenticeship – or wanting to find out more – to come along on 3rd May.”

Employers interested in the fair or who would like to attend the business meeting with Matthew Hancock, should email employers@halesowenandrowleyregis.com.