A government minister has paid a 'virtual' visit to North Herts College.

The learning establishment on Cambridge Road in Hitchin hosted a digital meeting with the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills.

Gillian Keegan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills took part in a virtual visit to North Herts College with Hitchin MP Bim Afolami.

The pair held a Q&A with students at the college and to take part in a roundtable discussion with leading figures on apprenticeships in Hertfordshire, including Anna Morrison CBE.

Bim Afolami MP said: "It was fantastic for the minister to virtually visit North Herts College. The students asked great questions during the Q&A.

"This government is committed to rolling out wider opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and it was a good opportunity to talk to the minister about the amazing progress in Hertfordshire."

The roundtable discussion brought together North Herts College, Hertfordshire LEP and local businesses to talk with the minister about apprenticeships locally.

Gillian Keegan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills added: "Thank you to my colleague, Bim Afolami MP for inviting me to visit North Herts College.

"It was a real privilege to virtually meet a fantastic group of childcare students and hear about their experiences of studying during lockdown, catching up and their excitement for future careers in a range of professions including nursing, childcare and teaching.

"Apprenticeships are an excellent way to get into a wide range of valuable and exciting careers, so it was fantastic to speak also to local leaders and businesses, including Amazing Apprenticeships and Hertfordshire LEP, about how they are championing them in the county."

NHDC delivers full and part-time programmes to meet the current and future demands of the local economy across a range of sectors, with campuses in Stevenage and Hitchin.

The college is part of Hart Learning Group, a charitable organisation with a mission to spark fascination, inspire and motivate people through learning, supporting more than 10,000 learners and employs around 450 staff.

Kit Davies, principal of North Herts College added: "Our students really enjoyed speaking to the minister and did themselves proud.

"It was a great opportunity for them to share their thoughts on their studies, their next steps and their career aspirations.

"They shared their exciting plans about what they are going to do once they leave college including nursing apprenticeships, teaching degrees, and other university programmes."

"The roundtable discussion with the minister was also a fantastic opportunity for businesses and training providers to share thoughts and suggestions on a wide range of skills and apprenticeships themes."