A Dorset-based housing construction company has announced its commitment to the next generation with National Apprenticeship Week.

CG Fry & Son, which is based in Litton Cheney, has apprenticeships to address the lack of skilled tradespeople.

With the government setting targets of building 300,000 new homes each year, this shortage could be a key factor in whether or not that target is met.

As the UK recognises National Apprentice Week, which runs from Monday, March 5 until Friday, March 9, CG Fry & Son has addressed the issue with a commitment to the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

At its new housing developments in the region and within its major works team, there are apprenticeships in carpentry, bricklaying, joinery, site management and architecture.

The company each year sees a new intake of keen individuals who are looking to learn and gain experience, overseen by highly skilled individuals who excel in their chosen craft.

Philip Fry, managing director of CG Fry & Son, said: “We are aware of the skills shortages in the construction trade in general and we are currently working with leading industry training providers to invest in the next generation.

“All the apprentices are gaining hands on experience and are working across the CG Fry & Son contracting and development teams in the South West, where they get the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall.”

One of the company’s apprentices recently attended a schools’ careers’ fair to explain to students what it’s like to be an apprentice, sharing his experience and career path.

The apprentices are studying at Weymouth, Bridgwater & Taunton and Cornwall Colleges for NVQ Diplomas.

CG Fry & Son has also been awarded silver level accreditation against the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating its commitment to high performance through good people management.

The 2018 National Apprenticeship week allows employers and apprentices from across England to come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose the apprenticeship pathway.

The theme for 2018 is ‘Apprenticeships Work’.

For more information, search naw2018.co.uk