ONE of the region’s MPs has been praised for his efforts to highlight the importance of apprenticeships in the construction sector.

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, himself a former apprentice, has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons in support of construction apprenticeships, and of the work of the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Taskforce, which calls on the Government to do all it can to create opportunities for young people in the industry.

Mr Anderson’s efforts were yesterday “warmly welcomed”

by the Federation of Master Builders, the biggest trade association in the UK building industry.

Mr Anderson said: “Apprenticeships can change the lives of young people, giving them access to careers in construction when other industries are declining.

“As a former apprentice, I know how important these qualifications are, and support the work the Cross- Industry Construction Apprenticeship Taskforce is doing, not only to keep training alive during this recession, but also to give them a real boost that should be sustained going forward.”