CATCH apprentices attend 10 Downing Street reception following letter to Prime Minister

Four apprentices from local training provider CATCH were in attendance at a reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The invitation followed a letter written by apprentice Emily Hasthorpe, who contacted the Prime Minister to highlight the value of apprenticeships and their crucial role in supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

Emily - now a second year Process Operations apprentice employed by Lenzing in North Lincolnshire - wrote on behalf of CATCH and the wider apprenticeship community. Her letter emphasised the importance of high‑quality, employer‑led training, hands‑on technical skills and long‑term investment in workforce development.

In response, four apprentices from the Stallingborough-based organisation were invited to attend Opportunities for All: A National Apprenticeship Week Reception at Number 10. The group included Emily and fellow apprentices Harry Hooton, welding apprentice and WorldSkills finalist employed by Blackrow; Shayden Rodgers, pipe welding apprentice employed by GE Vernova; and Madeleine Cartwright, electrical apprentice employed by Phillips 66 Limited.

The event celebrated the role apprenticeships play in creating good jobs, supporting industry, and strengthening communities across the UK.

Speaking after the event, Emily said: “During my first year at CATCH, I wrote to the Prime Minister to invite him to visit our site, however I was instead honoured to be invited to Number 10 for National Apprenticeship Week. This provided a valuable opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, engage with representatives from a range of trades and companies, and raise awareness of the work carried out by Lenzing Fibres, as well as my training provider, CATCH. I am extremely grateful to CATCH for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it has been amazing!”

Lisa Buck, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at CATCH, added: “We are incredibly proud of Emily and her fellow apprentices. This invitation recognises not only her confidence but the voice of apprentices across our region who are working hard to build long-term careers in vital industries. Apprenticeships are about providing opportunities for all, developing lifelong skills and valuable hands-on experience and Emily’s letter captured that perfectly.”

Held on Monday 9^th February as part of National Apprenticeship Week, the reception highlighted the growing national recognition of apprentices as key contributors to the UK’s economic future and clean energy transition.

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, further recognised the importance of apprenticeship schemes in the area. He said: “Our region has a strong and growing reputation for excellence in skills, training and clean energy innovation. These apprentices are powerful ambassadors for the talent we are developing locally, and it is fantastic to see them recognised at the highest level. Apprenticeships open doors, raise aspirations and strengthen our local economy – and this visit to Downing Street is testament to that.”