A CITY organisation has reaped the benefits of r embracing apprenticeships in the workplace. Based in Erdington, The Construction Training Centre was started by friends Mark Webber and Peter Carey in 2009. Very soon they recognised the lack of young people entering the industry, along with record highs in youth unemployment and the growing skills gap developing as a result of this.

Initially as providers of NVQ training, Mark and Pete saw a massive need for investment in the construction industry and a means by which young people could gain the skills and experience needed to get a foot on the ladder – with this in mind they embraced the government-backed Apprenticeship scheme and now provide unique opportunities to 16-24 year olds in Birmingham.

Accredited to deliver Apprenticeships in bricklaying, roof slating and tiling, general construction, site carpentry & maintenance, The Construction Training Centre is working with local businesses to deliver the Apprenticeship framework so that their apprentices gain the skills and training they need, but also the work-based experience that so many employers feel is essential for a successful workforce. A combination of day release and on-the-job training, ensures every apprentice is provided with the opportunity to learn, earn and impress their future boss. Many apprentices remain loyal to the very company who gave them that initial opportunity and end up training an apprentice themselves. With grants available to companies who hire an apprentice, it’s a win-win situation.

The Construction Training Centre works with over a hundred different companies and hopes to make a real difference to young people in the area. For every company willing to employ an Apprentice, the selection process is rigorous and, once advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website, they receive hundreds of applications. Only the very best candidates are put forward for interview with employers and once a successful candidate has been chosen, The Construction Training Centre provides support and advice to that employer for the duration of the Apprenticeship.