THE need for employers to cultivate and nurture new talent is vital to ensure that companies are ready to capitalise on the opportunities that will emerge when the recession ends.
GT Contracts, a North East-based interiors company, is leading the way in the development of young people through continued support of those who choose to follow a career path in the construction industry.
One of GT’s apprentices, Jamie Fineran, 21, deserves to be congratulated after being recognised nationally for his numerous achievements since being taken on by the company three years ago.
GT Contracts enrolled the young apprentice in British Gypsum’s Drywall Academy in 2008. The company is an active supporter of the Drylining Apprenticeship Programme, placing all of its apprentices on the scheme since its introduction in 2007.
As a result of his outstanding work, Jamie will now represent the UK in the WorldSkills final to be held in London in October. This follows him being awarded a gold medal in the WorldSkills UK Plastering and Drywalling (SkillBuild) in 2009 and 2010. It is refreshing to learn of positive news in these bleak times.
Other companies in the North East’s construction sector should be taking steps to harness the passion of young people.
In these times of austerity, it is reassuring to see a local company helping a young person thrive in his chosen profession. Companies should follow this example of shaping new talent, which has the potential to steer the construction industry to success in the future.
The sector cannot afford to wait until business starts to pick up before embarking upon personnel development.
Companies must be ready to capitalise upon the opportunities when they start to arise, rather than miss out on work because they do not have the relevant skills for post-recession contracts.
For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, contact Catriona Lingwood on 0191 374 0233 or email catriona@cene.org.uk.
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East.