As part of his Cornwall visit yesterday Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited A&P in Falmouth to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.

The Prime Minster addressed A&P Falmouth’s entire workforce in the facility’s Engineering Hall, before inviting questions from A&P employees and apprentices.

The Prime Minister later undertook a tour of A&P Falmouth’s facility guided by Chief Executive David McGinley, Managing Director Mike Spicer and Port Development Director Drystan Jones.

Falmouth Packet: Rishi Sunak with local MP Cherilyn Mackrory and staff from A&PRishi Sunak with local MP Cherilyn Mackrory and staff from A&P (Image: A&P)

Mike Spicer, Managing Director, A&P Falmouth said: “A&P was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister at our facility today during National Apprenticeship Week.

“At A&P, we firmly believe that apprentices are the future of our business, and it was fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase our apprentices and our wider workforce to the Prime Minister.”

“70% of our senior management team started out as apprentices themselves – which demonstrates the tremendous value that good quality training and the right opportunities can deliver.”

Falmouth Packet: Rishi Sunak raises a laugh from local MP Cherilyn Mackrory at A&PRishi Sunak raises a laugh from local MP Cherilyn Mackrory at A&P (Image: A&P)

David McGinley, Chief Executive of APCL Group, said: “Today’s high-profile visit provided a platform to highlight the vital role A&P Falmouth plays in the defence, maritime and renewable sectors.

“As a major employer in Cornwall, A&P also plays a significant role in supporting the South West economy.

“It was a privilege to introduce the Prime Minister to our entire workforce who are the life blood of our business and indeed, our apprentices, who will play a major role in the future of UK engineering.”

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A&P Falmouth is part of APCL Group, the global ship building and ship repair organisation, which currently sees 260 apprentices in training across the Group.

A&P Falmouth provides vital ship repair and in-service support to the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and commercial marine sector.

A&P Falmouth also operates the Falmouth International Cruise Terminal, and port facility, all of which form part of an Enterprise Zone initiative which is bringing forward a proposed modernisation of the site to deliver on new regional opportunities such as floating offshore wind.