HRH The Duke of York was in the region yesterday (Wednesday) to officially launch higher and degree apprenticeships at the University of Sunderland.

Ben Gilhespy, Director of Operations at County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN), was among the invited guests.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure and honour to see the completion and launch of this new apprenticeship offering. Our network, some of our member employers and other associated organisations had input into the design of the course and we’re very much looking forward to see young people benefit as a result of them.

“HRH The Duke of York emphasised the message that we have been sending out to businesses in the region which is that we all have a responsibility to focus our attention on encouraging young people into the workforce, whatever route they take.

“We have a very close relationship with the University of Sunderland and in particular the Institute for Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP), who are great supporters of both CDEMN and Oktoberfest, and we relish the opportunity to shape the future of apprenticeships alongside our partners and friends.”

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