Member Article

Mayoral candidate announced as key speaker

Entrepreneur and independent North East Mayoral candidate, Jeremy Middleton CBE, has been announced as the key note speaker at a forthcoming employer event being hosted by one of the region’s fastest growing training providers.

Jeremy, who is currently touring the region to get feedback on his jobs policy, as part of his campaign, has agreed to speak at NCT Skills for Life’s (NCT) inaugural employers’ event, which is taking place mid-September.

NCT, a not-for-profit community interest company, which offers construction industry training recently launched JEF- CEP, an Armed Forces JV 12-week pre-apprenticeship training programme offering 240 young people aged 16-19 the chance to gain extra skills in communication, self-discipline and team building as well as an insight into joinery, bricklaying, plastering and roofing before embarking on a full apprenticeship.

The organisation was keen to attract Jeremy as its speaker because of his understanding of the importance of skills training to the region.

As part of his plan for the region, Jeremy has committed to a £1bn ‘Jobs and Investment Fund’ for the North East which will seek to deliver 100,000 new jobs locally by 2024.

Businesses that he himself has set up, or supported, currently employ more than 5,000, therefore he is well aware of how important job creation is for the region. Commenting on the NCT speaking engagement he said:

“I was delighted to be approached by NCT and asked to speak at its inaugural employer event. As the region gears up to take control of its own future, businesses must look at their skills base and consider whether they have a strong enough commitment to training and life-long learning to ensure that they are in the best shape possible to grow and create future opportunities.

“By backing SMEs, my ‘Jobs Promise’ will make sure that more people than ever in the region are taking home a decent wage each month and are able to provide for their families. To support this aim I would urge all businesses to take on an apprentice and work with training providers, such as NCT, to address any areas where they feel they may have a gap in their current skills set.”

Speaking about the event which will be attended by number of the region’s construction companies, such as Marshall Construction, John Flowers Roofing, Wensley Roofing and BK Building Services, NCT’s managing director, Patricia Wilkinson said:

“This event is about companies coming together to hear about the importance of apprenticeship programmes and it will give those attending the opportunity to network and discuss their views on training in construction and the need to address the growing skills shortages.

“We share Jeremy’s belief that the region’s young people should have the same life chances as they do elsewhere in the UK and we’re absolutely delighted that he is supporting the event and very much look forward to hearing what he has to say.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Patricia Wilkinson .