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MP applauds local apprentices - 10/09/2012

Salford and Eccles MP Hazel Blears has visited Carillion''s training centre in her constituency to see how local apprentices are gaining the skills and qualifications for a career in construction.

Support services and construction company Carillion is the largest employer of young apprentices in the sector with around 2,000 trainees at any one time.

Its training centre in Salford specialises in carpentry and bricklaying and has employed over 1,200 apprentices in the region. The venture offers young people aged between 16-19 years a four-month initial training programme moving on to a level 2/3 apprenticeship, where work experience is gained on Carillion projects through its extensive supply chain or with local work experience providers.

During her visit Hazel Blears was able to see the training in action and spoke with a number of young people, including Grant Dolan and Lewis Oldham who recently secured a full time employment role with Carillion in the Middle East after impressing senior managers with their hard work and ability.

She said: "There is no doubt that finding work can be a challenge right now and centres like this are vital to equip our young people with the skills, qualifications and the confidence that they need to succeed. You only have to visit facilities like this to see that if we can offer the right opportunities, the talent and willingness to learn is there in abundance."

David Weingard, Training Centre Manager for Carillion Training Services in Salford, added: "We were delighted to welcome Hazel Blears to our training centre and to show her the work we are doing and the calibre and commitment of the apprentices. An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career in construction where we can unlock their talent and give them the skills, the training, the progression and the opportunities to get into the world of work and build a successful career.

"Across Carillion they can choose from a number of trades including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, dry lining and general construction. We are making a real difference and transforming the lives of young people; helping to support and promote sustainable communities and ensuring a skilled workforce for the construction industry."