22nd June 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The call in the House of Commons from Labour MP, and former apprentice, Dave Anderson, for more construction apprenticeships to help create new jobs in the construction industry has been warmly welcomed by the Federation of Master Builders.
Dave Anderson MP for Blaydon, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has tabled an ‘Early Day Motion’ in the House of Commons in support of construction apprenticeships and the work of the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force which is calling on the Government to do all it can to create an environment conducive to training young people in the construction industry.
Dave Anderson MP said:
“Apprenticeships can change the lives of young people, giving them access to careers in construction when other industries are declining. As a former apprentice I know how important these qualifications are and support the work the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force is doing not only to keep training alive during this recession but also give them a real boost that should be sustained going forward.”
Geoff Lister, Chairman of the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force, said:
“I am pleased that our work has the support of politicians such as Dave Anderson as it is very important that we continue to get our message across by whatever means available to us if we are to ensure sustainable training in the construction industry.”
George Dodds, Managing Director of Blaydon based George Dodds Builders LLP, said:
“I’ve been training apprentices for many years now and they have been a real asset to my firm, providing the skill base that my company needs to thrive. I think it is so important to train young people and I am proud of my firm’s record in that regard.”
Dale Nicholson, apprentice at George Dodds Builders LLP, said:
“My apprenticeship has given me an opportunity to learn skills that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life and open doors to future employment. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and would recommend an apprenticeship to other school leavers.”
