Second Chance for Local Apprentice

A joinery apprentice, who lost his job as a result of the downturn in the construction industry, has been given a second chance to complete his training by local firm Maintenance and Property Care (MPC).

Brian Johnston (25) from Cumbernauld, was two-thirds of the way through his two year apprenticeship when he was made redundant, leaving him facing the possibility of not being able to qualify.

To help him find a new position Brian turned to ConstructionSkills, the industry's skills council, who contacted MPC on his behalf to see if it could provide a training placement. MPC, which has a well established apprentice programme which took on 11 new apprentices last autumn, was more than happy to help.

John Boyd, Managing Director of MPC, said: "We are very pleased to have been able to offer Brian a placement so he can get his qualifications. Apprentices play an essential part in our business and in the construction industry as a whole, and it is vital that they continue to receive support and funding from companies even in the present economic conditions."

Brian has now commenced his placement with MPC and will remain with the company until October, when he will have completed his training.

Commenting on his new job, Brian said: "I would like to say thank you to MPC for giving me the chance to complete my apprenticeship. I appreciate that there are many others like me in this situation, so I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity at this difficult time for the industry."

Councillor Tom Maginnis, Convener of Regeneration at North Lanarkshire Council, for which MPC provides repairs and maintenance, capital projects and specialist services, said: "We welcome MPC's commitment to providing quality training to young people in North Lanarkshire. Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining the skills and experience needed to forge a career, and Brian will receive invaluable training from his time with MPC.

"The council runs a number of successful apprentice schemes, which offer real benefits for both businesses and young people. We are encouraging more local companies to follow MPC's example and consider employing apprentices to increase the opportunities available to young people."