Nineteen trainees are celebrating completing a unique training programme with Kier North Tyneside.

The trainees, all local employees of Kier's supply chain, have gained valuable experience of best practice and promoting safe and efficient work processes.

The trainees completed the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) accredited training courses with Kier, ensuring they can carry out work without risk to themselves or local residents while delivering planned and responsive maintenance services to around 16,000 council-owned properties across the region.

Kier North Tyneside, the joint venture partnership between Kier and North Tyneside Council, is the only accredited National Skills Academy for Construction project in the north-east. Since the initiative began in July 2012, it has successfully provided reduced cost asbestos training to more than 100 members of staff from its supply chain.

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In July, 45 companies attended a supply chain event, run by Kier, to learn about opportunities with the company and prospects for employees of suppliers to gain industry recognised qualifications.

Kier regional director, Mike Furze, said: "It is mandatory that all subcontractors in the Kier North Tyneside supply chain have asbestos awareness training to ensure the continuing safety of our residents, and we have developed dedicated training programmes to make it easier for our suppliers to access credible training opportunities. Having a fully skilled local workforce is not only vital to Kier but to that of the local economy, which is why we are also looking to work even more closely with our supply chain and local companies in the future."

Kier runs a range of courses including manual handling and first aid for local suppliers who benefit from the locality, low cost and relevant content for courses.

(CD/GK)