BOLTON West MP Julie Hilling has praised apprentices from her constituency during a House of Commons debate.

Ms Hilling recently helped promote National Apprenticeship Week by visiting defence firm MBDA in Lostock.

She also met up with apprentices from the firm in parliament to highlight what she said was “the need for the government to create more opportunities”.

Ms Hilling praised MBDA in parliament, saying: “Anyone visiting the apprentices at Lostock is blown away by their quality and competence, as well as by MBDA’s commitment to them, led by Bernie Waldron, the managing director of manufacturing, and Gareth Humphreys, the human resources adviser on education, both of whom started as apprentices at the company.

“MBDA does not just teach apprentices skills for the workplace, but concentrates on growing the whole person.

“Personal development is just as important as formal qualifications.”

Speaking later, she added: “It was great to see so many young apprentices at work at MBDA, showing that apprenticeships offer a clear path to a successful career for young people today.

“But with almost one million young people out of work, it is clear the government needs to do more to help firms create the apprenticeship opportunities.”