Skills shortage addressed by Seddon Group

Record numbers apply for the Seddon Group apprentice scheme.

The Seddon Group continues to tackle the growing skills shortage affecting the UK construction industry, by announcing its annual apprentice intake.

This year a record 600 young people applied for the group's apprentice scheme, from which 58 have been chosen to join the company.

All will receive training in skills such as bricklaying, painting, plumbing and joinery.

The figure brings the overall number of apprentices working for the Seddon Group to 166.

All will receive technical and vocational training and are encouraged to develop essential job skills that cannot be taught in the class room.

The Seddon Group's commitment to the industry is also demonstrated by their training of Quantity Surveyors they have 29 currently undergoing training.

One of these trainees, William Paul has been sponsored by the company as part of the Construction Skills Inspire Scholarship Scheme.

After completing his first year at Manchester University, with funding from both the CITB and Seddon Group, William has now been offered a permanent position with the Company.

Says Roy Cavanagh, one of Seddon Group's Training Managers: "Seddon welcomes this strong initiative from CITB-Construction Skills.

The Inspire Scholarship scheme encourages the brightest and best young people into our industry, and allows individuals with ability and initiative to kick-start their career in construction".

Jonathan Seddon, Seddon Group Director, comments: "Like so many traditional industries, construction is starting to suffer from a skills shortage.

This is something we are addressing by providing training opportunities for young people as well as a structured support network, which is where Roy and his colleagues' expertise is invaluable.

"Roy is one of our Training Managers for the Group, his role is dedicated to the development of our apprentices and trainees, each year we see how a group of young people can grow in confidence when nurtured with appropriate vocational training.

We had a record number of applicants this year, which shows there are young people out there who want to enter the industry.

We are looking forward to seeing our latest group of apprentices develop and we wish them the best of luck.".

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