Member Article

NCT Skills partners Brickwork Services to supply Apprentices

NCT Skills has partnered with Brickwork Services to supply and train 10 bricklaying apprentices to meet the skills shortage in the construction industry. The apprentices, aged 16-18, all completed a traineeship prior to commencing the apprenticeship. The apprentices have now completed their first month with the employer following a model of one month on site, then one month in centre where they complete knowledge training towards their diploma.

Ian Wood, Managing Director of NCT Skills, commented: “There are numerous opportunities for young people to enter the construction industry. By completing a traineeship followed by an apprenticeship gives the young people the best possible opportunity of a sustainable construction career. We’re delighted that 10 of our trainees have been offered apprenticeships with Bricklaying Services. I am pleased to be working with Steve to be creating these opportunities for young people.”

Steve Willis, Managing Director of Brickwork Services, said: “There was a exodus of bricklayers from the industry during the recession due to wages being repressed. There was also a decrease in the amount of work available so bricklayers were being pensioned off. In the last 18 months there has been a resurgence in building work which has required us to take action. We have partnered with NCT Skills to bridge this skills gap.”

Laura Elder, 17, from Walker, started her traineeship in August and converted to her apprenticeship with Bricklaying services in December added: “I was really keen to get into the construction industry so I researched opportunities available and decided to sign up for the traineeship with NCT. It’s been a great environment to learn in and a fantastic experience. I’ve learnt so much and I’m really looking forward to my future career in the industry.”

Jordan Robinson, 17, from Wallsend, said: “First of all I wanted to do a traineeship and NCT helped me gain my apprenticeship. They let me know about the apprenticeship opportunities in bricklaying and it was a brilliant next step in my development so I decided to sign up. I’ve really enjoyed it and the first month with Bricklaying Services has helped me get even more confident.”

For more information on NCT Skills visit www.nctskills.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCT Skills .