Stroud MP Neil Carmichael last week visited Stonehouse to present engineering firm ABB’s employees with certificates to mark the end of their apprenticeships undertaken in partnership with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

Neil was shown around ABB’s site by General Manager Chris Anthony before meeting the apprentices. ABB are world leaders in engineering for water industry, power generation and rail industry solutions.

During the visit employees spoke with Neil Carmichael about the challenges faced when getting to work, agreeing that moving Stonehouse railway station further north would make their commutes from Bristol and the surrounding areas easier.

The success of the graduating apprentices comes following news that unemployment in Stroud has fallen again to 1.5 per cent, with youth unemployment dropping to 3.2 per cent.

Last month unemployment and youth unemployment were at 1.7 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively. Unemployment in Stroud has been dropping since the start of the year.

Neil Carmichael MP said: “I am delighted for ABB’s apprentices today, completing their study and professional development.

“The Stroud Valleys and Vale continues to lead the way in technology, and close relationships between our local manufacturing and education sectors is precisely what we should be supporting and developing.”