A Conservative candidate for Chester has backed plans by his party for 100,000 more high-skilled apprentices per year.

Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced the plans to deliver the apprenticeships by the end of the next Parliament, funded by changing the law to close the poorest performing university courses.

The plans to deliver 100,000 more apprenticeships will cost £885 million in 2029-30, paid for by cutting the poorest performing university degrees, saving money as more student loans will be paid back, meaning the taxpayer won’t have to pick up the tab instead.

Welcoming the news, Simon Eardley, the Conservative candidate in Chester North and Neston said: “This is great news for young people here in Chester North and Neston.

"I know the value of apprenticeships from my own experience working in the maritime industry in the region.

"This constituency, with its proximity to new industries such as hydrogen production down the road at Stanlow, and nearby high quality jobs in the aviation sector, means we are well placed to maximise this opportunity.

"My own nephew is an apprentice and having spoken to him, it’s clear just how much he is getting out of working and learning at the same time. He’ll come out at the end with the skills he needs for his chosen field.

“We want young people to secure the best opportunities with a good well-paid job, it’s a shame that Labour would halve the number of apprenticeships by allowing 50 per cent of apprenticeship levy funds to go to other non-apprenticeship training, meaning worse life opportunities for young people.”