Pioneering Yelverton apprentice celebrated by local MP at parliament event

Rebecca Smith MP has marked National Apprenticeship Week by meeting a pioneering West Devon apprentice at a reception in Parliament.

Ms Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, met local constituent Sophia at the ADS Apprenticeships Reception earlier this week. 

Sophia, who grew up in Yelverton and attended Ivybridge Community College, now works for Collins Aerospace.

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She made history as the first female engineering apprentice at the company and is building her career through the apprenticeship route, working within the aerospace sector.

Speaking after the event, Ms Smith said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Sophia in Parliament and to hear first-hand about her journey into engineering. 

“As the first female apprentice in her field at Collins Aerospace, she is a fantastic role model for young people across our area.

“Her story shows exactly why apprenticeships matter, they give people the chance to earn, learn and succeed, while providing businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow.”

National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February) has celebrated the value of apprenticeships for young people and businesses. 

Apprenticeships allow people to earn a wage while gaining qualifications and practical experience at the same time.

The Moorlander recently reported on major Devon employer South West Water marking National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing career journeys from its Exeter laboratory and award-nominated apprentices across the region.

Engineering and aerospace are among the key sectors in Devon where apprenticeships are seen as an important pathway into skilled jobs. 

However, the number of new apprenticeships starting nationally remains below previous levels, prompting calls for continued support and investment.

Ms Smith said she wants to hear from local apprentices and businesses across South West Devon, including in Tavistock, Yelverton, Dartmoor and surrounding communities.

She has launched a local skills and apprenticeships survey to gather views from apprentices, employers and training providers across the constituency.

“Backing skills is central to the Conservative plan for growth. That’s why I want to hear directly from apprentices, employers and training providers through my local apprenticeships survey. 

“Your views will help me continue to champion high-quality apprenticeships for our area and make the strongest possible case for skills-led growth in Parliament,” she said.

Ms Smith thanked ADS for hosting the reception and said it was important to highlight local success stories during National Apprenticeship Week.