The EEF’s Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, was visited last week by the Prime Minister (Theresa May), the Chancellor (Philip Hammond) and the Business Secretary (Greg Clark), at the start of a week when the Government set out its plans for a stronger economy with a modern industrial strategy at its heart (www.eef.org.uk).

They saw the EEF’s young apprentices learning the skills needed to take up ‘the high-paid high-skilled jobs of the future’.

Following the visit, EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler said: “I was delighted to show the Prime Minister the result of the manufacturing industry’s investment in skills and training at our training centre, which we think is a blueprint for modern technical training throughout the UK.

"We look forward to working in partnership with ministers to see how we can replicate this across the country.

“The Government’s commitment to boost R&D and spending on transport will be a tonic for businesses up and the down the land.

“By signalling her Government’s commitment to a modern industrial strategy, the Prime Minister has made a huge step forward in support of Britain’s economic stability.

“We are looking forward to the publication of the white paper and the rapid implementation of the plans, as it is critical that the whole of Government works together to deliver this.”