Builder honoured for work on apprenticeships

The Chester-le-Street builder scooped the Small Employer of the Year for the North East region in the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards.

Other winners included Lloyds Bank, Nestle and the NHS.

McCarrick Construction is now hoping to be successful at the national final of the Apprenticeship Awards at the ceremony on January 18 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Director Matthew McCarrick said was delighted with the recognition.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised alongside far larger employers for our apprentice programme at McCarrick Construction.

“There is no better way to combine learning and training than an apprenticeship.”

Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne Milton said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards are a fantastic way to demonstrate the incredible benefits and contributions of both apprentices and their employers across the country.

“My personal congratulations go out to everyone who has taken part in the National Apprenticeship Awards so far, and also to those heading to the national finals.

“You truly are worthy ambassadors for apprenticeships.”

National Apprenticeship Service director Sue Husband said: “The National Apprenticeship Awards allow talented apprentices and committed employers from across our regions to receive well-deserved recognition for their apprenticeship achievements.

“In turn, I hope that the exposure given to winners encourages more employers and individuals to get involved.

“Winners recognised this month in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber region show the range of sectors and variety of job roles apprenticeships are available in, and how they can deliver the skills employers need.

“I congratulate all winners and highly commended finalists on their success,” she added.

“For those heading to the national finals, I wish them the very best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

McCarrick Construction provides construction solutions across the North East, working in commercial, healthcare, education, defence, residential and retail sectors.