Verity Stockdale writes for Bristol University’s Epigram on a recent visit from Nick Clegg, who spoke to the newspaper while visiting a community project:

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, recently visited the multi-functional Junction 3 Development in Easton to witness the partnership and community work of the apprenticeship scheme On Site Bristol. The scheme helps local construction businesses recruit and support the training of local people in order to further redevelopment in the city.

During his visit, Clegg was helped by apprentice Zach Mealing, 17, to fit a radiator in one of the many apartments that make up part of the Junction 3 Development. Mealing, who is on a four year training programme with On Site Bristol, is just one of many apprentices working at the site. The On Site partnership, inaugurated in 1996 and led by Bristol City Council, supports more than 200 apprentices on the programme at any one time, thirty of which are employed directly by the Council itself. The scheme operates on various construction sites across Bristol, including the University of Bristol’s Life Sciences facility currently being erected opposite the Arts and Social Sciences library.

Whilst in Bristol, Clegg was forced to defend the decisions that the Liberal Democrats have made since the coalition came into force two years ago. He summed up his party’s efforts saying that ‘Everybody knows that there are challenges as we make savings so we can pay our way in the world, but I think people increasingly recognise that what the Liberal Democrats have done is brave and for the national interest and that is something I am very proud of.’

Full article here.