ConstructionSkills and its partners held an Apprenticeship Week from 7 to 11 February 2011.
Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, is introducing an Apprenticeships and Skills (public procurement contacts) Bill which if successful, means that bidding construction companies will have to agree to undertake specific apprentice targets whilst carrying out contracts.
FMB member Joe Dixon of J D Joinery Building & Maintenance Services Ltd has assisted 11 apprentices in the last three years and arranged for Catherine to visit to one of his sites to try her hand in traditional skills. FMB Northern Regional Director, Barry Oliver said: "Catherine had a go at joinery skills and proved to be such a quick learner that she should be making bonus by Easter!"
On a serious note, Barry stated that Catherine McKinnell's Bill is a great help to both ConstructionSkills and FMB members. "You don’t come out of your time as an apprentice with a huge student debt and you learn skills that will always be beneficial to you.
"Let's face it, money is usually only available for borrowing backed by bricks and mortar so as well as leaving a permanent reminder of your endeavours you are also helping to re-house people and assist in the economy."
