Apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan joined Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie to discuss jobs and investment with organisations across Anglesey.

The minister visited Holyhead Marine Ltd, Pentraeth Automotive, Môn Training, Glanbia Cheese, Llangefni Campus, Coleg Menai, Grwp Llandrillo Menai and RAF Valley to meet up with BAE Systems, Babcock International and Affinity Flying.

Mrs Crosbie said: “I am really pleased the minister spent so much time on the island talking to a wide range of businesses in different places about skills, apprenticeships, jobs and investment.

“It is vitally important the UK government hears first hand from Anglesey on these incredibly important areas and we hear their views on what ministers can and should be doing to level up [and] make Anglesey an economic powerhouse and an attractive place to invest.

“I know the places she visited with me appreciated her coming in person to talk to them and listen.”

The minister added: “Getting out to all corners of the UK to listen to and hear about the experiences of business and how they are coping with the pandemic and their recovery plans is an important part of my job.

“I am delighted to see how key, growing industries across Anglesey, like the automotive, marine, construction and food sectors, are investing in future talent by employing apprentices, and it has been brilliant to meet some of these young people today.

“I would like to thank all of the businesses and organisations that took the time to meet with myself and Virginia today. Contact has been made and relationships have started and action can now be taken to work together to allow Anglesey to prosper further.”

Iain Chalmers, Affinity managing director, added: “We were delighted to welcome our apprenticeships minister and local MP to Valley, and to have the opportunity to demonstrate how we are passionate about supporting employment and apprenticeships, and how we carry out our operations on a daily basis.

“I’d like to thank Gillian and Virginia for taking the time to visit our operations.”

John Pearson, managing director of Môn Training, said: “Nothing means more than seeing our MP on Ynys Môn share our passion of bringing skilled employment back to the island, and creating new opportunities for current and future generations.

“Our aim to encourage women into the construction industry and create equality cannot be achieved without the help of our local MP. We are really looking forward to seeing how this project progresses and see our ideas becoming a reality.”

Dafydd Evans, chief executive officer of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, added: “It was a pleasure to host the UK minister for apprenticeships and skills at our Llangefni campus.

“It gave us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our sector-leading resources and introduce the minister to some of our brilliant apprentices from Siemens and the NHS.

“Many thanks to Virginia Crosbie for facilitating a very worthwhile visit.”