Entrepreneur, Jeremy Middleton CBE, was the guest of honour and key note speaker recently at the official opening of NCT Skills for Life’s (NCT) newest training space.
NCT, one of the region’s fastest growing training providers and of Newcastle-based PTM Group, offers construction industry training. Further to the apprenticeship training NCT provides, the forward thinking company recently launched JEF- CEP, an Armed Forces JV 12-week pre-apprenticeship training programme offering 240 young people aged 16-19 the chance to gain extra skills in communication, self-discipline and team building as well as an insight into joinery, bricklaying, plastering and roofing before embarking on a full apprenticeship.
The organisation was keen to attract Jeremy as its speaker because of his understanding of the importance of skills training to the region.
During his recent mayoral campaign plan for the region, Jeremy was committed to introducing a £1bn ‘Jobs and Investment Fund’ for the North East which sought to deliver 100,000 new jobs locally by 2024.
Businesses that he himself has set up, or supported, currently employ more than 5,000, therefore he is well aware of how important job creation is for the region. Commenting on the NCT speaking engagement he said:
“I was delighted to be approached by NCT to speak at its recent event. It is so important for businesses in the region to look at their skills base and consider whether they have a strong enough commitment to training and life-long learning, in order to ensure that they are in the best shape possible to grow and create future opportunities.
“To support this aim I would urge all businesses to take on an apprentice and work with training providers, such as NCT, to address any areas where they feel they may have a gap in their current skills set.”
Speaking about the event which was attended by number of the region’s construction companies, NCT’s managing director, Patricia Wilkinson, said:
“Apart from officially launching our new facility the event was also about companies coming together to hear about the importance of apprenticeship programmes and give those attending the opportunity to network and discuss their views on training in construction and the need to address the growing skills shortages.
“We share Jeremy’s belief that the region’s young people should have the same life chances as they do elsewhere in the UK and we’re absolutely delighted that he was able to lend his support on this occasion.”