1284 Communications client Michael Smith Switchgear hosted the Work and Pensions Secretary as she made a film about apprentices for the Labour Party Conference.

Liz Kendall MP returned to the MSSL site, in her Leicester West constituency, to interview its apprentices ahead of the party conference in Liverpool.

MSSL welcomed Ms Kendall, now the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, as she returned to the company’s Braunstone base following a successful visit earlier this year.

She met with the company’s Leicester College apprentices and toured the facilities during the filming - engaging with apprentices about their training, hands-on experience, and future ambitions. 

Ms Kendall heard how apprenticeships at MSSL are creating real opportunity and supporting professional growth.​

Managing Director, Sean Smith, said: “It was great to welcome Liz on site again, and also that she remains so interested in learning about our apprentices.

“MSSL delivers hands-on training and creates real-world opportunities for young people who want to build a career in electrical engineering.

“There are lots of opportunities out there for young people who want to work with their hands while manufacturing essential products needed across the UK.”

“The UK manufacturing sector continues to face challenges in finding people with the required skills - apprenticeships present fantastic career opportunities for those prepared to commit.”

1284 Communications managing director George Oliver, said: “This was another excellent opportunity for MSSL to showcase all the great work it does in creating apprenticeships which open doors for local young people.

“Supporting visits like this highlights the real-world impact of skilled training and the importance of investing in young people’s futures.”

Ms Kendall spoke directly with Charles Ashwell, who recently became the first apprentice to complete Leicester College’s 42-month Level 3 Engineering Fitter course - a milestone for both MSSL and Leicester College.

MSSL continues to support the development of skilled professionals, with eight apprentices currently in the team, after five new apprentices joined the team this year.

The partnership between MSSL and Leicester College remains central to raising standards, supporting learners, and helping address the sector’s skills needs. The ongoing investment in skills and talent reflects MSSL’s commitment to its forward-looking strategy and sustainability leadership, as recognised by the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development earlier this year.

Filming was completed during the visit in order to showcase the impact of apprentices at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, held from 28 September to 1 October.​

The event placed renewed emphasis on the urgent skills shortage in UK manufacturing, highlighting the vital importance of apprentices in sustaining sector growth.​