Iain Duncan Smith congratulates Gravesend apprentice mechanic on new job (From News Shopper)

Iain Duncan Smith congratulates Gravesend apprentice mechanic George Burman on new job

1:18pm Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

A TOP government minister has visited Gravesend to congratulate an apprentice on his new job.

Secretary of state for work and pensions Iain Duncan Smith MP dropped by Auto22 garage in Dering Way on Thursday (January 24) to meet George Burman who has been offered work as an apprentice mechanic.

The 19-year-old will start at Gravesham Council’s Brookvale Depot in Northfleet early next month where he recently completed a four week work experience trial following a year-long programme at Auto22.

The social enterprise offers servicing and repairs for cars and light vans, providing work experience, training and apprenticeships for young people to train as mechanics.

George said "I'm very pleased to be starting work and I have learned a lot at Auto22 over the last year.

"It's exciting going to a new job where I've already got to know everyone and I can't wait to start."

Responding to a visit to Bluewater by Mr Duncan Smith the same day, Dartford Labour chairman, Councillor Jonathan Hawkes, said: "His recent cuts are hitting millions of working people.

"If he looks beyond Bluewater’s doors, he’ll see the devastating impact his policies are having on ordinary people."