Pudsey-based G&H and Building Futures Together (BFT), welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves on Friday 3 July. The MP for Leeds West and Pudsey spent time with staff, apprentices and students to see first-hand how mechanical, electrical and public health service provider G&H and alternative vocational provision BFT are creating career pathways for young people.

Rachel’s visit comes following the first report in the Government’s landmark Milburn review, an independent review into the rising number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). It also follows the recent announcement from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, pledging to increase the number of apprenticeships and guarantee a work experience placement for every child in the county before the age of 18.

Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey and Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “Every young person should have the chance to fulfil their potential. It was wonderful to meet students and staff at Building Futures Together in Pudsey to hear about their fantastic vocational provision, and to discuss the Government's ongoing work to tackle youth unemployment.”

Paul Churchill, development manager at G&H said: "High-quality apprenticeships are essential to the future of the construction industry. Rachel's visit provided an opportunity to showcase how we're creating pathways into the sector and delivering apprenticeship best practice. It also gave her the chance to meet our apprentices, hear about their experiences and see how we're investing in the next generation of skilled professionals."

Managing director and co-founder at BFT, John Thornton, said: "Building Futures Together was established to help prevent young people from becoming NEET, and we see everyday how alternative vocational education can help students who are struggling in mainstream education engage with learning, improve attendance and progress into apprenticeships, further education and employment.

"We're pleased to welcome Rachel once again and to showcase the positive impact our programmes are having. Vocational education should be valued equally alongside academic pathways if we want every young person to have the opportunity to succeed. Rachel's visit helps reinforce that message."

BFT operates from a purpose-built training facility within mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) provider G&H’s head office. The facility includes eight bays providing 24 individual training spaces, a project room, and a classroom to support the delivery of entry-level and Level 1 qualifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning services.

Founded in 1998, Leeds-headquartered G&H is a leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes across the UK.