Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on tour of Cornwall College

Mr Sunak paid a visit to Cornwall College Camborne in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, as part of a wider one-day tour around the Duchy.

Accompanied by John Evans, principal and chief executive of The Cornwall College Group, the PM was able to see vocational training in action.

During his visit, Mr Sunak spoke to motor vehicle, engineering and electric vehicle students, and spoke of his admiration for the College’s cutting-edge Battery Bay, a pioneering UK-first initiative.

He also saw the exclusive Heavy Goods Vehicle training area, the sole facility in Devon and Cornwall dedicated to the advancement of this critical sector.

A tour around the Body & Paint workshop (Image: Cornwall College)

Mr Sunak said: “It was incredible to visit Cornwall College and I was blown away by the talent and skill-sets of the apprentices there.

“And in National Apprenticeship week, it’s great to see so many apprenticeships in action – not only kickstarting careers but ensuring people are earning and learning from the get-go.”

He went on to add: “In our view, not everyone needs to go to university; you can start earning and learning at the same time. It’s a great way to start a career.”

Mr Sunak was accompanied on the tour by current MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle George Eustice, who will be stepping down at the next election. Also joining them was Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for the area Connor Donnithorne.

John Evans, principal and chief executive of The Cornwall College Group, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome the Prime Minister to help us mark National Apprenticeship Week at Cornwall College Camborne.

“The visit highlights the vital role of further education colleges in bridging the skills gap and training the workforce of tomorrow, and we were thrilled to have the chance to showcase our dedication to top quality education and training to the Prime Minister.”