Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid a visit to a Thatcham-based business this morning (Thursday).
The Conservative leader took a tour of transmission technology specialist Xtrac and spoke to apprentices.
He spoke to them about the company’s dedicated apprenticeship facility Xtrac Academy and the opportunities it provides young people.
He was shown what staff get up to on a day-to-day business and how their products are exported all around the world.
Mr Sunak told Newburytoday: “It was a fantastic visit, this is an incredible business doing incredible things.”
He said the business provides opportunities that will set apprentices up for life
“It is a source of pride not only for the local community but for the entire country.”
While the Prime Minister was in Thatcham, a town with a fully Liberal Democrat-run town council, Newburytoday asked him how he is feeling for the General Election, locally, with the Conservatives having lost West Berkshire Council to the Lib Dems in the local elections last May.
“I know the last couple of years have not been easy,” he said
“But this year we’re looking in the right direction.
“Inflation has come down.
“Wages have gone up.
“Our plan is working, we have stuck with our plan.”
He expressed pride in Newbury MP Laura Farris and the causes she has been championing.
“The things Laura champions, to expand childcare.
“It shows our plan is working.
“I’m really proud walking around, people are talking about what she has done.
“The people in West Berkshire can have peace of mind that there is a bright future ahead for their families.”
Xtrac president Peter Digby, who has been with the company for 38 years, said: “We are incredibly proud he spared the time to come and see us.
“He spoke to three or four of our apprentices today, who came through the apprentice scheme and are now managers and team leaders in charge of their own departments.
“The man who trains our apprentices was an apprentice himself.
“He [Rishi] quite rightly stated that it is fantastic and the whole country should be proud.”
Newbury MP Laura Farris said: “Xtrac is a West Berkshire success story.
“As well as it’s exponential growth over the last few years, it has put a Thatcham business at the heart of Formula 1, Indycar and NASCAR successes, all over the world.
“Ever since I was elected, I have worked to improve opportunities for young people especially in STEM.
“I know the Prime Minister shares this ambition - last year he set up a new Department of Science, Innovation and Technology for this purpose.
“I wanted him to see Xtrac as a shining example of apprenticeship success in manufacture and advanced engineering.”
