Construction skills centre 'plastered ' with praise during MP 's visit

A Midlands MP has 'plastered ' a Black Country construction skills centre with praise after meeting several learners during her recent visit.

Nicola Richards, the Conservative MP for West Bromwich East, was speaking after visiting the BCTG Skills Centre, which is based in her constituency at Kelvin Way Industrial Estate.

She took the time to meet BCTG staff and learners on a plastering course, and discussed various issues including the impact of inflation, government funding rates for qualifications and apprenticeship rates of pay.

Ms Richards said: “It was fantastic to see first-hand the apprenticeship training at the BCTG Skills Centre in West Bromwich.

“When I was elected in 2019, I stated that one of my top priorities was to make sure young people in my constituency have the same opportunities in life as young people anywhere else in the country, and that remains true to this day.

“Increased apprenticeships and training courses such as these provided by the BCTG Skills Centre are key to this, and courses such as plastering and building will ensure the workforce of the future is ready for regeneration projects that lie ahead across Sandwell and the West Midlands. ”

Mike Smith, business development officer at BCTG, said: “We were delighted to have Ms Richards visit our construction skills centre in West Bromwich, which offers a safe, managed environment for young people and adults to learn successfully.

“We showcased our excellent training provision, which enables BCTG to provide the construction skills required by employers, which in turn supports local people to secure local job opportunities in the construction sector. ”

The visit was organised by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), which represents organisations who support thousands of businesses and millions of learners by delivering a wide range of training, vocational learning and employability programmes.

Matt Strong, communications manager at the AELP, said: “Ms Richards showed a great interest in what is an important area, given the impact the skills gap is having on the wider economy.

“It was brilliant to introduce her to learners and staff at the BCTG Skills Centre, as this was an important opportunity for her to hear directly about some of the challenges facing the skills sector. ”

Pictured: Nicola Richards MP (left) meets learners on a plastering course and (far right) Dan Burns, training manager at the BCTG Skills Centre.