Connect with us

Entertainment

King Charles III praised for his views on apprenticeships in special episode of The Repair Shop: ‘He understands more than the government’-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Viewers urged the education secretary to take note.

King Charles III praised for his views on apprenticeships in special episode of The Repair Shop: ‘He understands more than the government’-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

King Charles III praised apprenticeships and said academia isn’t for everyone on the special episode of The Repair Shop (Picture: PA)

King Charles III has been praised for being ‘more down to earth than the government’ as he spoke of the importance of apprenticeships.

The new monarch appeared on a special episode of The Repair Shop on Wednesday night, filmed while he was still Prince of Wales, before the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles showed the team around the grounds of Dumfries House in Scotland, where students work on everything from woodwork to horology, as part of The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit.

Speaking to presenter Jay Blades, the King noted that ‘not everybody is designed for the academic’ as he praised apprenticeships that allow students to work with their hands.

He added that the lack of vocational education schools in the UK was ‘a great tragedy.’

His words sparked a huge reaction online, with viewers flooding to Twitter to praise his attitude – and imploring the UK government to take heed.

The King – Prince of Wales at the time of filming – was massively praised for his comment (Picture: BBC)

One said they ‘absolutely agree’ with the Royal, writing: ‘The strong need for apprenticeships and vocational studies, not everyone wants or is suited to academia. As well as the vital need to keep passing on skills.’

Another tagged new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and wrote: ‘Academia might have served you well but some youngsters have other skills and need to pursue vocational paths, both to achieve their potential and to fill a skills gap. EBacc GCSEs are not the only way.’

And another shared their thoughts by agreeing: ‘Congratulations to Jay Blades and team on tonight’s #RepairShop… with King Charles, shining a light on apprenticeships and craft skills. Inspiring to watch and encouraging to see all of these diverse skills celebrated.’

The new monarch took part in the beloved BBC show to mark 100 years of the BBC (Picture: PA)

Several suggested the King should ‘have a word with the newly appointed education secretary’ in the hopes his views on apprenticeships could be taken on in the mainstream.

One highly impressed viewer even suggested Charles ‘should be in charge of education’ as he ‘understands it more than the government,’ adding the episode was ‘heartwarming.’

And they weren’t the only one, with another Twitter user saying: ‘King Charles should be the education secretary, different skills for different students – not just the academic, great stuff.’

Loving this evening’s @TheRepairShop. Absolutely 100% agree with HM @RoyalFamily. The strong need for apprenticeships and vocational studies, not everyone is wants or is suited to academia. As well as the vital need to keep passing on skills #therepairshop pic.twitter.com/ZOYFNj4f6Y

— Lou | Crumbs & Corkscrews (@crumbscorkscrew) October 26, 2022

#TheRepairShop The King: “not everyone is academic”. Alleluia! @RishiSunak Academia might have served you well but some youngsters have other skills and need to pursue vocational paths, both to achieve their potential and to fill a skills gap. EBacc GCSEs are not the only way.

— Louise (@loubug) October 26, 2022

King Charles emphasising the value of vocational education & apprenticeships. Perhaps he should have a word with the newly appointed education secretary? #TheRepairShop

— Geoff Mount (@GeoffMount) October 26, 2022

I think King Charles should be in charge of education he understands it more than the government I love this program, heartwarming ❤️@TheRepairShop@RoyalFamily #TheRepairShop 👑 🥰

— Marie (@MarieMarie19781) October 26, 2022

King Charles should be the education secretary, different skills for different students – not just the academic, great stuff #TheRepairShop

— Matt Sheriff (@i71Sheriff) October 26, 2022

The King was Prince of Wales at the time of filming, with the special Repair Shop episode having been filmed between August 2021 and March 2022.

It is airing to mark the centenary of the BBC, and also saw Jay and the ret of the team set out to mend two objects: a piece of Wemyss Ware made for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and an 18th century bracket clock.

Speaking when the episode was announced,  Jay spoke about how special it was to bond with King Charles over their shared interests.

More: Trending

‘You’ve got someone from a council estate and someone from a royal estate that have the same interests about apprenticeships and heritage crafts, and it is unbelievable to see that two people from so far apart, from different ends of the spectrum, actually have the same interests,’ he said.

The Repair Shop: A Royal Visit is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.


MORE : Jay Blades boldly urges impatient King Charles to ‘hold on a minute’ in The Repair Shop


MORE : King Charles is ‘planning biggest royal tour ever’ across the planet

Entertainment – MetroRead More