Alison Seabeck MP and Oliver Colvile MP have paid a visit to City College Plymouth to meet employers and students involved in a pilot scheme which aims to encourage more construction firms to take on an apprentice.

The Pathway to Construction scheme has been piloted in Plymouth thanks to funding from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association in the UK construction industry, and support from the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF). First year students from City College Plymouth have spent their summer on work experience placements with local construction businesses, giving the students valuable on-site experience and both parties the opportunity to see how well suited they are to working with one another in the long term.

Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View said: "At a time when the construction industry is struggling, especially smaller firms, it is good to see in Plymouth the pilot for Pathway to Construction. I was delighted to meet two apprentices who have been taken on by firms in the city. The Federation of Master Builders and those involved in getting this scheme up and running in Plymouth are to be congratulated. I hope other employers will take advantage of any opportunities offered where funding is being made available."


Oliver Colvile, Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport said: "It's very pleasing to see local businesses building close ties with City College Plymouth and the benefit this brings to students. Construction has a major role to play in the transition to a green economy so it is essential the industry has people with the right skills for the job, which is why schemes like Pathway to Construction are so valuable. I hope the rest of the country will follow Plymouth’s example."

Ron Willers, FMB South West Director said: "The FMB knows that the initial cost of employing an apprentice can put businesses off, especially in the current, difficult economic climate. This is why the FMB provided funding to help cover the costs of the Pathway to Construction placements. Businesses can really benefit from the opportunity to test a young person’s suitability for an apprenticeship, and we are especially pleased to see our members so enthusiastic about training the next generation. Pathway to Construction shows how much is possible when different groups from a local area all pull together."

(CD)