A UK Government cabinet minister payed a visit to Stockport borough recently, calling at a local engineering business. 

Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, visited C Rice Engineering near Offerton on 7 February.

The minister had been invited to the constituency by Paul Athans, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove.

C Rice Engineering specialises in component manufacture for a variety of industries, including aerospace, renewable energy, transport, and more. 

The secretary of state said: "I was delighted to be in Hazel Grove constituency supporting Paul Athans.

"I know Paul is passionate about apprenticeships and the work that we've done as a government to really challenge the stigmas, expand the quantity, and raise the quality of apprenticeships."

Ms Donelan (right) and Mr Athans (left) visited C Rice Engineering, near Offerton (Image - Paul Athans)

Mr Athans said: "I'd like to thank C Rice Engineering for inviting us along to see the fantastic work they are doing. We talked about the technology and skills required for precision engineering. 

This week is National Apprenticeship Week, and it was very productive to be able to discuss the positive impact of the government's work on apprenticeships with the minister.

"As an Army Officer I know just how important apprenticeships are and I'm proud that the Army is one of the UK's largest Apprenticeship Employer Providers. In Hazel Grove constituency alone, we've delivered 9,760 apprenticeship starts since 2010."

Thanking Paul and the minister, Darren Rice the director of C Rice Engineering Ltd added: "We've been here since 1977 and have never been busier.

"We always need more apprentices so it was very useful to be able to speak with Michelle and Paul about some of the apprenticeship schemes available. I thank Paul for bringing the minister to see our family firm."

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