Birmingham MP Jack Dromey has visited Carillion's training centre in the city to see how local apprentices are gaining the skills and qualifications for a career in construction.

Carillion is the largest employer of young apprentices in the sector with around 2,000 trainees at any one time.

Its training centre in Birmingham offers young people aged between 16-19 years a four-month initial training programme moving on to a level 2 apprenticeship, where work experience is gained through working with local building firms and Carillion sites.

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During his visit the Birmingham Erdington MP was able to see the training in action and speak with a number of apprentices, trainers and managers.

He said: "There is no doubt that the job's market is tough right now so it is vital to have centres like this right here in my constituency. It's clear that if we give our young people the opportunities they deserve, the ability and willingness to learn is there in abundance.

"As well as providing life-long skills and that vital first step up to work, these training centres can also help develop social skills and the confidence needed to succeed. We must do more to support and promote apprenticeship schemes like this and I applaud Carillion for its efforts."

(CD)