On 25 February 2026, John Emptage, Sales Director at DK Holdings Limited, met with Baroness Stedman-Scott at the House of Lords to discuss their shared commitment to improving access to employment and long-term careers for young people in Manufacturing and Engineering.
John joined DK Holdings in 1986, embarking on a four-year City & Guilds engineering apprenticeship, following completion of a one-year Youth Training Scheme (YTS) college course. That early vocational route into industry laid the foundations for a career spanning four decades in UK manufacturing, a lived example of how structured training pathways can deliver lasting impact for both individuals and employers.
Baroness Stedman-Scott has long been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for youth employment, vocational training, and inclusive access to the workplace, making the discussion particularly well aligned. Their conversation focused on the importance of ensuring that young adults are fully aware of the breadth of career pathways available to them, with vocational and technical routes valued alongside academic options.
Both agreed that clearer visibility of apprenticeships, hands-on training and employer-led development is essential if the industry is to address skills shortages and attract the next generation into engineering and manufacturing roles.
John Emptage commented:
“I am a product of vocational training. Starting at DK Holdings through a YTS course and then completing my apprenticeship gave me a clear route into engineering and a career I’m incredibly proud of. It was encouraging to speak with Baroness Stedman-Scott about how we continue to make young people aware of all the opportunities available, not just academic routes, but practical, skills-led careers too.”
Baroness Stedman-Scott added:
“Young people deserve to see the full range of pathways open to them. Vocational training and apprenticeships play a vital role in building confidence, skills and long-term employment, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and engineering. Employers who invest in people early make a real difference.”
The meeting builds on DK Holdings’ wider engagement in skills and workforce discussions, including the business roundtable hosted at DK Holdings in July, chaired by Baroness Stedman-Scott, which brought together MPs, regional organisations, and SMEs to discuss skills, training and employment challenges facing UK industry.
As a long-established UK manufacturer, DK Holdings remains committed to championing clear, accessible pathways into engineering, ensuring young people understand that rewarding careers are available through both vocational and academic routes.
Read more about our team here.