Emcor UK press comment on youth unemployment
Emcor has responded to Nick Clegg’s pledge to help jobless young people get back into work.
Keith Chanter, CEO, Emcor Group (UK), said, ‘With new figures published by the Department for Education showing a record 1,163,000 16 to 24 year olds were ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training) in the third quarter of this year, Emcor UK welcomes today’s news that Nick Clegg has pledged to create a £1 billion Youth Contract aimed at helping jobless young people get back into work, including increased investment in apprenticeships.‘We believe that it is even more important now to invest in the future in order to enhance the skills capability in our industry. As I’m sure the government is aware, the construction industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors in the recession with tens of thousands of jobs lost, and is one of the largest employers in the country.
‘We welcome any moves to stimulate the construction industry, knowing this will also stimulate the economy and support leading organisations across the UK, many of whom are Emcor’s clients.
‘Even through these difficult economic times, Emcor UK has continued to invest in the development of the next generation of engineers. As an example, at the start of the recession, the Emcor UK Innovation Academy was opened in July 2009 in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton College, and so far over 450 people have attended the academy.
‘The Academy provides training for Emcor apprentices, employees, college students and even customers, together with research facilities dedicated to developing the latest services and techniques for customers.’
