Appeal for students to consider us

Mar 14 2008 by Douglas Kell, The Journal

IT’S the time when parents of teenagers about to leave school may be wondering what best to advise those who have yet to decide on a career.

Civil engineering is an iceberg occupation: a lot of it is largely hidden from public view. Yet opportunities in civil engineering have seldom been better in the North East.

Many of our landmark buildings, major roads and developments in construction would not be achieved without the skills of our civil engineers.

Graduates and other high-level school achievers have long had support and encouragement within the civil and construction sector to work their way up to top jobs that pay well and are generous in job satisfaction.

But during the past year or so, 85 member firms from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North East) have stepped up endeavours to offer satisfying careers to many younger people who like to work with their hands.

Last year 28 school-leavers were offered pioneering apprentice places at Newcastle College, with off-job and on-job education and training.

Besides the long-established bricklaying and joinery apprentices, there is a need for young people potentially capable in paving, excavating and creative work – whether on regeneration sites or on highways.

This new entry point – the first of its kind in the country – has proved so successful that this year we hope to offer more of these apprentice- ships and perhaps run a similar course in at least one more college in the region.

The course on offer, besides giving practical experience, leads to the NVQ2 and 3 qualifications that are necessary to work on site.

We are asking parents to consider the attractions and possibilities, since parents and careers advisers have considerable influence in guiding young people towards a career suited to their particular qualities and characteristics.

For further information visit the website www.bconstructive.co.uk

Douglas Kell is director, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North East)