George Freeman, minister for life sciences has praised apprenticeship schemes at Discovery Park.

He visited the site in Ramsgate Road today to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from Monday, March 9, to Friday, March 13.

Mr Freeman met with apprentices from East Kent College, Pfizer and Middleton Murray as well as taking a tour around the laboratories.

He said: “When you talk to the youngsters here today, it’s absolutely clear that this is working for them.

“They’ve all said to me they’ve found this programme gives them a wonderful mixture of real life experience with a real company.

“It’s making a big difference.”

East Kent College, which now has its science department based on site, has been working with Pfizer for a long time providing apprenticeships.

Mr Freeman said: “When you talk to the businesses they tell you, this isn’t a distraction, or something on the side.

“It’s fundamental to them growing a talented pool of employees for the next generation.”

The MP for Mid Norfolk, who was also on the task force for life sciences when Pfizer announced its relocation, said he was thrilled to be championing a growing Discovery Park as minister now. He said its success has been extraordinary.

He also addressed suggestions that young women do not see apprenticeships as a viable option.

“There’s more women in the industry than any other.

“I think the problem is the word apprenticeship traditionally conjures up a very old fashioned view of male factory work. Whereas 21st century apprenticeships in high technology is all about being clever, and girls do that every bit as well as boys - if not better.”

The companies are taking part in Trailblazer Apprenticeships, which is an employer-led scheme. It now also means young people can gain a degree qualification while working at a real company.

Charlotte Carr, 19, an apprentice at Pfizer through East Kent College, hopes to continue her apprenticeship on to degree level.

She said: “Going to university costs so much money, you can come away with £50,000 worth of debt. It will take a bit longer for me (five years) but at the end of it I will have seven years experience.”

Amy Mercer, 18, an apprentice at Pfizer through Greenwich University said: “You can’t learn the skills anywhere better than in the industry.”