Ahead of the Coalition Government’s comprehensive spending review, local MP Bridget Phillipson has called on the Coalition to provide more support for work place learning, apprenticeships and placement schemes in the North East.

Bridget’s comments come after she presented Barclays call centre workers at Doxford Park with their certificates after they completed the nationally accredited Union organised ‘Inspire’ program.

Bridget said: “Work place learning schemes like ‘Inspire’ can provide participants with the chance to develop the skills necessary to help them and their workplace thrive.

“Work place learning, apprenticeship and job placement schemes come in all shapes and sizes from the ‘Inspire’ program, to Train to Gain, and even the Future Jobs Fund.

“The Coalition’s decision in May to stop applications to the Future Jobs Fund, which between October 2009 and January 2010 helped 420 people in the North East into work, was just irresponsible.

“This LibCon Coalition should recognise this and provide more support for jobs in the North East.”