Eric Wright commits to training scheme

Preston-based Eric Wright Construction has pledged to increase its number of trainees over the next five years.

Joining the 5% Club, Eric Wright aims to raise the number of apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formal programmes to five per cent of its total workforce over the next half-decade.

The scheme is an industry-led initiative that works with UK employers of both public and private companies to inspire, educate and retain a growing body of people into ‘earn and learn’ placements.

The  campaign aims to tackle both the chronic skills shortage and youth unemployment in Britain and help the country remain at the forefront of innovation. It also asks members to publicly report their progress in their Annual Report.

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright Construction, said: “Some of our workforce are currently studying for an apprenticeship or completing a formal graduate programme, so joining The 5% Club reaffirms Eric Wright Construction’s commitment to address the skills shortage in the industry." The Eric Wright Learning Foundation also sponsors a ‘real work environment’ in partnership with Preston’s College which provides training in construction trades for learners aged 14 plus; enabling them to experience an authentic construction site with welfare cabins, PPE, health and safety audits and other practices they would encounter in the construction workplace.