Bradfords welcomes Burnham’s education plans

Bradfords Building Supplies CEO, David Young, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s preposed plans to place greater emphasis on technical education.

The plans propose courses linked to local industries, apprenticeships and vocational routes aimed at tackling skills shortages and reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Young commented: “For too long, vocational and technical careers have been viewed as a second choice for young people when, in reality, they underpin some of the UK’s most important industries. Construction is facing a long-term skills challenge, and if we’re serious about building the homes, infrastructure and sustainable communities the country needs, we must do more to attract young people into the sector.

“Giving technical education greater prominence is a positive step, however, success will depend on employers, educators and government working closely together to ensure training reflects the skills businesses actually need.

“At Bradfords, we’ve long believed in investing in apprenticeships and developing talent from within. Young people need to see that there are rewarding, long-term careers available across our industry, whether that’s in the trades, merchanting, manufacturing, logistics or leadership roles.”