Council Leaders meet apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week

The Leaders of Sunderland and Middlesbrough have donned the high-vis with construction apprentices to highlight National Apprenticeship Week.

Both Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland Council and Middlesbrough elected Mayor Chirs Cooke this week joined apprentices of Persimmon Homes on two new housing developments in the region.

Councillor Mordey met local youngsters working on the St Michaels Way development in Sunderland, while Mayor Cooke joined apprentices putting their skills to use at Orchid Gardens in Middlesbrough.

Chris Cooke, Elected Mayor for Middlesbrough said: “It was great to talk to some local young people about their training and how they feel it has allowed them to set the foundations for a future career in the construction industry. I would encourage anybody to consider an apprenticeship. They provide a combination of both classroom learning and on-site experience, which is an excellent way to learn your craft.”

Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council said: “It was fantastic to meet apprentices at the St Michaels Way site and see their skills in action. Apprenticeships are vital for developing our future workforce, offering young people the chance to earn, learn, and build rewarding careers.”

Hosting on behalf of Persimmon, Mark Whelan, Managing Director of Persimmon Teesside added “We’re always looking at new ways to inspire young people into the industry– particularly during National Apprenticeship Week – and I hope that more of the young people we engage with will consider one of the varied, exciting career paths that construction and housebuilding has to offer.”

More information about apprenticeships including openings can be found on the Government’s apprenticeships portal https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/.