Newcastle College hosted senior Newcastle Council cabinet members during National Apprenticeship Week, to showcase its new construction skills academy.
Deputy Leader Councillor Alex Hay and Cabinet member for Skills Councillor Greenhough were given a tour of the new Persimmon skills academy at Newcastle College.
Hosted by representatives from both the college and housebuilder Persimmon, the Councillors met some of the young people learning the various trades needed to build new houses.
Learners at the centre are undertaking courses in bricklaying, joinery and roofing with around 20 students learning at the academy currently.
Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College, commented: "We were delighted to host Councillors Alex Hay and Dan Greenhough at Newcastle College and the Persimmon Academy for our Apprenticeship Week event.
“As a college dedicated to serving Newcastle and the North East, we were excited to highlight our partnership with Persimmon Homes as a prime example of the work we do every day to develop a highly skilled workforce fit for our region's needs."
Hosting on behalf of Persimmon, Stuart Grimes, Managing Director of Persimmon North East added: “It’s great to be able to host the Councillors at this fantastic new facility where local young people are learning the skills they need to pursue their chosen vocations.
“We’re always looking at new ways to inspire young people into the industry– particularly during National Apprenticeship Week – and I hope that more of the young people we engage with will consider one of the varied, exciting career paths that construction and housebuilding has to offer.”