Dr Allison Gardner

Dr Allison Gardner

Labour — Stoke-on-Trent South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 26 October 2026

Debate

Jobs and Employment: Staffordshire

Contribution

I represent the neighbouring constituency, and of course I have to mention ceramics. Since 2018, employment in traditional ceramics has fallen by 37% in Staffordshire. Advanced and traditional ceramics companies need skilled workers, but local employers are struggling to attract new talent. Stoke-on-Trent college has proposed a national ceramics and advanced materials technical college, which would create a national centre for technical education offering apprenticeships, industry placements and workforce development in traditional and advanced ceramics. Will my hon. Friend join me in recognising the value of the proposal in boosting local ceramics employment by providing the specialist skills required and creating clear pathways from education to high-value careers?

More from Dr Allison Gardner

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Dr Allison Gardner's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Dr Allison Gardner report card.