Gordon Henderson MP has visited the Carillion Training Centre in Sittingbourne to gain an insight into the successful apprenticeship programme on offer in the community and to recognise the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the young apprentices.

Carillion Training Services in Sittingbourne offers apprenticeship training in four trades: bricklaying, carpentry, dry-lining and painting and decorating and currently has approximately 160 learners on its programmes.

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Recruiting up to 90 new learners each year for the pre-apprenticeship programme, Carillion has successfully transferred around 85% of these learners onto its Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship schemes.

Mr Henderson MP said: "It's been fantastic to meet the young learners today and to appreciate the hard work and passion they have. We are in a situation where we need more apprenticeships to bridge the skills shortage, so I applaud these individuals and the businesses that are providing them with these opportunities."

Operating in Kent for over 40 years, Carillion Training Services has helped thousands of unemployed people to master a valuable trade. As well as ensuring a sustainable workforce for the construction industry, the opportunities presented by CTS are changing lives and improving prospects for these young people.

(CD/MH)