# Apprenticeships are at the top of this government's agenda

Canonical URL: https://www.bridgeheadcommunications.com/insights/2025/08/08/apprenticeships-are-this-governments-top-priority-adam-thompson-mp-interview
Published: 2025-08-07
Sector: Education & Skills

> William Walter speaks with Adam Thompson, Labour MP for Erewash and former University of Nottingham research scientist, about degree apprenticeships, local skills and the future workforce. The conversation spans nuclear energy, small modular reactors in Derbyshire and the impact of artificial intelligence.

In this interview, Bridgehead's Managing Director, William Walter, sits down with Adam Thompson, Labour MP for Erewash.

Prior to his election in 2024, Adam worked at the University of Nottingham as a research scientist, including a stint teaching degree apprenticeships in Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences.

In the interview, Adam reflects on his experience teaching degree apprenticeships, and explains why he sees so much potential in them.  He also considers more widely the challenges facing the UK's skills sector - and how a concerted effort to drive up the awareness and availability of apprenticeships is key to tackling these.

Adam hones in on the opportunities apprenticeships offer in Erewash - including after recent announcements committing to the development of small modular reactors in Derbyshire.

Both Will and Adam reflect on how apprenticeships will adapt or contribute to the industries of the future - including the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

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