The Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) has today announced its members will support all brickwork apprentices who are faced with unemployment, following the news of Carillion’s liquidation.
It is estimated that over 2,000 of Carillion’s apprentices are now left at risk of no work experience. To ensure their training process can continue with as little disruption as possible, the ABC is working alongside its partner, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), to find replacement apprenticeships for those affected.
Many ABC members are already providing training to their apprentices on site, using an OSAT Brickwork Assessor for the learner to gain a qualification upon completion. In 2017, members of the ABC took on approximately 72 new apprentices. This year, they are aiming to deliver a minimum of 100 NVQs in line with its funding project, which facilitates on-site assessment.
Eve Livett, CEO of the Association of Brickwork Contractors, comments, “The ABC is very sorry to hear the news of Carillion’s liquidation, and the resulting effect on many talented brickwork apprentices. The ABC places huge importance on the production of outstanding, iconic work for the built environment and recognises the importance of investing in people in order to sustain the quality and to satisfy demand.
The quality of on and offsite training is a core principle of ABC membership. All our members have well-established schemes in place to ensure their skills are properly transferred to the next generation of bricklayers. At a time when our industry is in vital need of engaging the younger generation, it is a priority to help Carillion’s apprentices prosper.”
CITB have arranged events around the UK to support Carillion apprentices in their re-placement. Apprentices searching for a new placement can contact the ABC directly or speak to CITB on its dedicated Carillion apprentice helpline: 0344 994 4010.
