Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King and West Suffolk College praised by Skills Minister Robert Halfon for apprenticeships

Skills minister Robert Halfon MP has praised the commitment of Bury St Edmunds-based pubs and brewing group Greene King to apprenticeships.

During a visit to the town, Mr Halfon dropped in to the Dog & Partridge in Crown Street to meet some of the current apprentices at Greene King, which has pledged to create a 10,000 apprenticeships nationally over the next three years.

Mr Halfon said: “I’ve been meeting hospitality apprentices in action today, working hard to achieve their dream careers. Apprenticeships, like the ones being offered by Greene King, are a ladder of opportunity for people of all ages and all backgrounds and I want to see more people getting the chance to reach their full potential.”

Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand said: “We are really pleased to have hosted Robert Halfon today who spent some time chatting to our apprentices and learning about our programme.

“Apprenticeships are something we are really passionate about and we are keen to support our team members’ careers at Greene King.”

Mr Halfon also visited West Suffolk College, meeting apprentices and staff from departments including engineering, pharmacy, hospitality, automative engineering, business administration and accountancy.

He said: “I was really inspired by all of the apprentices at West Suffolk College, and to hear what a positive impact their training has had on their lives and careers. Apprenticeships offer a ladder of opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Thanks to the work of places like West Suffolk, many more people are getting the chance to reach their full potential.”