The Rt. Hon. John Denham MP Hails Black Cab Apprentices

LONDON – March 31, 2009: Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, the Rt. Hon. John Denham MP, has visited LTI Vehicles to meet apprentices and some of the staff who have benefited from Government funded training via Train to Gain.

On March 27, John met with John Russell, CEO of Manganese Bronze Holdings, the parent company of LTI, and the company’s Managing Director, Peter Shillcock. The minister was also greeted by Sophia Lock, who in 2008 scooped the coveted EEF Engineering (West Midlands) Apprentice of the Year award and Sophie Emerson who recently joined the company as a Business Administrator Apprentice.

Following the meeting, John spent some time talking to staff at the Coventry based company, who had participated in apprenticeship schemes. He was then shown around the plant by Managing Director Peter Shillcock.

Skills Secretary John Denham said: “I was delighted to meet some of the LTI Vehicles apprentices and staff. Manufacturing companies such as LTI make a vital contribution not just to the West Midlands but to the UK economy as a whole.

“These are challenging times, but we must look to the future by supporting the skills and expertise that we have in the West Midlands so that we can emerge stronger from the downturn and take advantage of the upturn when it comes."

Managing Director of LTI Vehicles, Peter Shillcock, said: “It’s been a real pleasure meeting John today.

“Investment in skills and training is vital if we are to make the most of opportunities, when the economy grows stronger. This visit gave us the chance to show what progress and achievements our apprentices have made. No doubt, they alongside their colleagues will ensure a bright, strong and competitive future for LTI Vehicles.”

The MP concluded his visit with a trip to Warwickshire College’s Trident Technology and Business Centre and met with local employers and students.