“As we are approaching the end of National Apprentice Week, I congratulate the Worshipful Company of Smiths in Lichfield who are offering to support Apprentices with a financial donation to help with the purchase of relevant materials and educational items” says Michael Fabricant.

“Both the Worshipful Company and I believe that Apprenticeships are a valuable and important social asset that has been allowed to decline in recent times. The Company believes in the value of apprenticeships in trades and crafts and wishes to support apprentices in their chosen field and the Government is giving it full support.

“Although this is a new initiative, the Worshipful Company of Smiths of Lichfield has a history going back to 1177. All of the Freemen by the 17th Century had to be apprentices for 7 years. Among the Freemen was the printer Michael Johnson father of Dr Samuel Johnson.

“Any apprentices seeking finance help with the purchase of relevant materials and educational items should contact Michael Owen by emailing  mike@mikeowenmedia.co.uk”