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Labour Conference is sweet for Ivan Lewis
Apprentice teaches Labour MPs a new skill

Ivan Lewis, Minister for Skills, attended a cookery lesson at this week's Labour Party Conference in Brighton under the supervision of a catering apprentice from a local hotel.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the body that exists to make England better skilled and more competitive, arranged for apprentices to be available at the conference to give MPs a taste of on-the-job training.

James Bailey 19, a trainee chef at the award-winning Millstream Hotel and Restaurant in Bosham, Chichester encouraged Ivan Lewis to don a chef's hat and create delicious desserts by dipping fruit in tempered chocolate.

"One of the key pledges made by the Prime Minister will be the focus on skills and the expansion of the Apprenticeship programme," said Ivan Lewis. "Through the Learning and Skills Council, I was delighted to meet James Bailey who is one of the record number of young people undertaking Apprenticeships in this country this year.

"However, our future ambitions depend on the willingness of employers to offer places for young people. It was a great privilege to meet Jean Strangeway from the Millstream Hotel, one of the many small and medium sized businesses which is joining our Apprenticeship mission."

Teacher for the day, trainee chef James said: "It was really fun teaching an MP how to do something I do every day. I hope it helps him understand how hard we apprentices work to become fully qualified chefs."

LSC Chairman Chris Banks, speaking at the Labour Party Conference, said: "Apprenticeships are a valuable way for young people to gain skills and knowledge. It enables them to prepare for a career while make Britain economically competitive."

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