HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, will come to Southampton next month to attend a special event being held by City Training, part of Southampton City College. HRH The Princess Royal will meet employers and apprentices from the city and the wider area as she attends the City Training Apprenticeship Presentation Ceremony on April 20.

 The ceremony will honour hundreds of apprentices, aged 16 to 60, who have completed their studies. HRH The Princess Royal is attending because she is a big supporter of training for people of all ages.

 HRH The Princess Royal will hand out five special awards on the day, which will recognise the hard work and commitment of both employers and apprentices. Awards will be given to three employers who have gone the extra mile to contribute to their employees’ skills. Two more awards will be given to the apprentices who have worked particularly hard during their apprenticeship with City Training.

 David Murley, Director of Employer Engagement and Managing Director of City Training, said: “It is such an honour for City Training to welcome HRH The Princess Royal. It says a great deal about our apprenticeship programmes and we’re thrilled that she will visit us.

“The day will be all about celebrating the commitment of apprentices and their employers to life-long learning in the workplace, in order for the south to compete nationally and globally.”

 It is the second time in just months that a high-profile visitor has visited City Training apprentices. In February, Gordon Brown and members of the Cabinet visited City College and spent time talking to motor mechanics and construction students about their apprenticeships.