Youth unemployment has been rife for a number of years. Degree courses have clearly become saturated with students compelled to gain a degree in order to further their prospects. However, companies are screaming out for young apprentices to join and learn on the job.

Piers Hart runs his own furniture making company (Piers Hart and Company) in Barnham since the 1970s and is now fearful of declining NVQ courses such as the NVQ cabinet-making courses which local colleges were providing. Due to low demand for this course, colleges have decided not to offer the course, but company owners such as Mr Hart are disappointed and are keen for youngsters to learn these skills.

After all, the UK could do with a manufacturing boost instead of relying on imports from other companies.