Member Article

Keir partnership creates new apprenticeships

A local maintenance and repairs firms has joined forces with North Tyneside Council to provide high quality training opportunities for local youngsters looking to start their careers.

Keir North Tyneside has recruited four new apprentices who will be given the chance to develop skills in plastering and plumbing. They will join six other apprentices who carry out administrative work at the firm, making a total of ten full time placement students.

The new starters will work alongside repairs and maintenance staff while carrying out NVQ qualifications with training provider JTL and Newcastle College.

Kier regional director for maintenance, Mike Furze, said: “It is vital for companies to invest in the future generation if we want to break the cycle of worklessness caused by increased competition for jobs and fewer training positions.

“At Kier, we strive to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we work and are always proud to be able to offer placement opportunities such as these to local young people.”

The newly-formed organisation will be responsible for carrying out improvements and repairs to North Tyneside Council’s 16,000 homes, as well as services to schools and local authority buildings. The contract has a potential value of over £600million, and could be extended by a further five years.

North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley, said: “We are committed to improving opportunities for our young people to succeed in the workplace. Apprenticeships play a vital role in this, and it is excellent news that Kier has committed to taking this step.

“Hopefully other firms will follow Kier’s example, giving young people the chance to develop in an environment where their talents can be nurtured.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .