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Election 2011
Clegg given apprentice approval

POLITICAL scandal overshadowed yesterday’s visit by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Revelations by Business Secretary Vince Cable saw the Lib-Dem leader face a barrage of questions about his political colleague during a tour of Oldham Training College, Lees Road.

Joined by Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes and parliamentary candidate Elwyn Watkins, the trio spoke with young apprentices before meeting with training centre management.

The centre has 132 engineering apprentices who are currently studying on site while also employed by local businesses.

But attention was diverted from the centre as he was questioned about Mr Cable’s controversial comments — recorded by undercover reporters.

Mr Clegg said: “Vince Cable should not have said what he said in any circumstances.”

Mr Clegg admitted that difficult decisions were being made on the economy and that the Government was asking the public to tighten its belt but he said the coalition was bringing some stability.

The visit was deemed a success by staff and students at the training centre.

Mike Pugh, engineering development manager, said: “We have put our name on the map. Hopefully, this will see us inundated by companies who want apprentices.”

Kerris Boulton (17) spoke to Mr Clegg during the visit.

She said: “He is a nice guy, he was asking lots of questions about what I was doing. It’s a good thing he came to visit as it shows how good it is here.”

Welding and fabrication engineers George Hamer (18), from New Moston, and Joe Hilton (19), from Bardsley, agreed the visit was a success but did not agree with some of the coalition Government’s policies.

Joe said: “I don’t agree with the student protests but I don’t agree with fees going up either.”