A STOCKTON construction giant is helping to build careers, with the addition of two new apprentices to its 400-strong team.

Caterpillar Stockton, which is based at Preston Farm Industrial Estate, produces parts that are used in the manufacture of building and construction equipment. The company has increased the number of apprentices it currently trains three-fold, as it looks forward to a period of growth to be able to meet market demands.

The company, which has been based in Stockton since 1987, now employs six apprentices, and has plans to double this number, appointing a further six later this year.

John Evans, facility manager at Caterpillar Stockton, started his own career as an apprentice, and is a regional council member of sector skills council Semta, an organisation set up to drive improved training and investment in skills for companies in the science, engineering, technology and manufacturing fields.

Mr Evans said: “As a company, we are committed to the North-east and UK, and part of this involves giving young people the opportunity to be part of our business, and develop and grow with us.”

The new appointments, Adam Nolson, 21, of Middlesbrough, and Lee Morris, 18, of Billingham, have been taken on as apprentice welders. Both are in their first year of a two year programme to achieve a level 3 NVQ in welding, having successfully achieved a level 2 qualification in welding and fabrication at Middlesbrough College.

Ian Smith, director of engineering at Middlesbrough College, said: “John and the team at Caterpillar work closely with us at Middlesbrough College, to put in place programmes that give their apprentices the right blend of theoretical and practical knowledge and experience.”