AN MP has hired a 16-year-old apprentice in hopes of helping the youngster onto the employment ladder. 

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith has recently taken on an apprentice to join his constituency office team.

Sam Wilkinson, from Blackfield, began his 18-month apprenticeship with the conservative MP on November 14. 

Royston said: “Having started my own career in the Royal Air Force as an apprentice, I am keen to be able to help others with their first steps into work. 

"College and university is not for everyone and we must ensure we offer a range of routes into work. Apprenticeships are a key part of Government policy, with over 2 million being started in the last Parliament, with an ambition for another 3 million before 2020.

"It has been great to have Sam join our team and I hope when he finishes his apprenticeship that he can tackle any of the challenges a modern job present.”

Although most of Sam’s friends have gone to college, he felt that he was better suited a to work based learning environment. 

The teenager, who left Applemore with 5 a-c GCSEs this year said: “Royston comes into the office a few times a week and he is very nice. He has encouraged me to do well in the apprenticeship and get the best result at the end of it.” 

Sam, who is participating in the scheme through Southampton City college, is unsure what field he will work in once he has finished his apprenticeship, but feels is interested in both politics and administration. 

“I think that everyone should go into something they enjoy and that they are interested in,” he said.