SPELLER METCALFE LAUNCHES THE WORCESTERSHIRE CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE ACADEMY

Aimed at increasing opportunities for apprentices in Worcestershire, the WCAA was initially set up as an independent charity by Malvern-based building contractor, Speller Metcalfe. 

Steve Speller, Joint MD at Speller Metcalfe and the initiator of the new academy explained the importance of the WCAA: "We want to increase the opportunities available for local construction students. The recession was a difficult period of trading for many in our industry and because of this we are seeing reduced availability of particular trades.

"The Apprentice Academy is aiming to target this gap, and by doing so increase opportunities in the county for our apprentices and employers who will also benefit from such a scheme, both financially and through developing their workforce."

Speller Metcalfe are working in partnership with the Worcester College of Technology who will be offering apprentice places to students to study with the College. Predominantly apprentices will be selected from the carpentry, bricklaying and painting and decorating trades which have seen a recent shortfall. 

The WCAA took part in two key events over National Apprenticeship Week, seeing hundreds of students coming through the doors of Kidderminster Town Hall for their apprentice launch.

Employers were invited to a second launch at  the Worcestershire Cricket Club in Worcester, which was hosted by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Constructing Excellence (HAWCE). The initiative received a lot of positive feedback with many commenting on the gap for such an charity in Worcestershire.