News > February 2012 > Construction sector apprenticeships 'will secure industry's long-term future'

Construction sector apprenticeships 'will secure industry's long-term future'

14 February 2012

Apprenticeships in the construction industry are being implemented across the north-west to ensure the trade can survive in the future while implementing sustainable economic benefits in the region, a leading construction expert has said.

Callum Tuckett, UK head of construction at Laing O'Rourke, is hoping that the 500 apprenticeships introduced over the next two to three years will have a wide-reaching impact.

Trainees in the apprenticeship program will be employed by Construction Group Training Association (GTA), which is being launched by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. They will then subsequently work for a variety of contractors.

Approximately 50 companies in the area have already signed up to the initiative that launches tomorrow night in Salford Quays.

"This will give young people a greater number of opportunities to complete an apprenticeship, at a time when there are still skills shortages within the construction industry, and provide sustainability and stability for the future,” says Clive Mermott, chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

This news follows on from pledges made by prime minister David Cameron to create thousands of new apprenticeships throughout the UK.

Filed under: apprenticeships, construction industry