NORTH Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis marked National Apprenticeship Week by meeting workers and celebrating their efforts.

The MP revealed that since 2010 there have been 6,220 apprentices in her constituency.

she said the success was largely down to the government’s strategy to expand opportunities for apprentices and ‘develop a skilled workforce’ across the country.

Mrs Prentis said: “Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, and open doors to highly skilled, rewarding careers.

“The Government’s reforms are not only increasing apprenticeship numbers, but also driving up the quality, meaning they have real value in the jobs market.

“It has been a pleasure meeting apprentices in my constituency and showcasing their hard work alongside the support of their employers.”

Mrs Prentis toured the district to meet with those currently working on major sites, such as the 6,000-home eco town as an apprentice with A2Dominion.

Other visits include meeting with developer Sensor Technology.

It comes after Cherwell District Council approved plans to give developers targets for apprenticeships.