Member Article

Construction apprenticeship scheme launched

A new apprenticeship initiative being piloted in London aims to address the decline in the number of apprentices entering the construction sector.

CC Developments Ltd will offer under 25-year-olds the chance to undertake apprenticeships in the sector, eventually expanding the scheme nationally.

It will provide up to 1000 apprenticeships within the first year, before being rolled out across the country in regional phases.

Darren Bolger, managing director of CC Developments UK, said: “The apprenticeship schemes will offer under 25s the opportunity to work on projects within their communities.

“Partnerships, which we have forged through community link building, will provide the necessary mentoring to deliver long-term strategies, work and continued progress to all apprentices under our scheme.

“Under the accreditation umbrella of A.C.E (Academy of Construction Excellence) scheme, builders, construction companies and personnel will be offered building projects in their own localities, driving construction to local and community levels, thus economically strengthening each community and offering young people in the area work and training and vocationally long-term prospects.”

The announcement follows last weeks concerning youth unemployment statistics, and further research by BIS, revealing a decline in the number of apprenticeship starts for the construction sectors, compared to 2008/2009 and only a 5% increase up from last year.

Working with the initiative, Kevin Everard and David Morris of the Specialist Intervention Providers, will train young people, and have the backing of the Home Office.

Mr Morris said: “Having worked with thousands of young people from some of the most deprived areas of the Country, I have seen so many of them fall into a criminal lifestyle.

“They see no legal opportunities to provide a future for themselves. At last, with CC Development’s scheme, any young person has a viable alternative.

“With dedication and hard work, any young person can learn skills, which will provide a future for them and their family.”

Kevin Jenkins, OBE, co-founder of Community Links, an organisation with extensive community building experience, welcomed the initiative.

He said: “The Apprenticeship Programme launched by CC Developments will no doubt have a positive impact on both communities and young people in general.

“The scheme will enable unemployed youngsters to move on in a difficult time and to give them a chance to build their futures, this is a wonderful initiative.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .