Oxford building firms are being urged to take on apprentices in a bid to help them cash in on a booming industry.o Figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) show there are 129 young people in the city registered on its books who are ready and willing to start full-time training for a career in the building trade.

All the potential recruits have already passed selection tests and are seen as ideal candidates by the CITB-ConstructionSkills organisation, which has a managing agency dealing with up to 10,000 potential apprentices a year.

An extra incentive is that a grant of more than £8,000 is available for employers, but only until August 1, and local firms are being encouraged to take the opportunity now.

CITB-ConstructionSkills managing agency director, Max Hamps, said: "Apprentices play an important role in securing the future of the companies who employ them.

"By passing the necessary selection tests, our apprentices have demonstrated their dedication and enthusiasm to work in the industry."

One firm taking full advantage of the scheme is Symm & Company, based in Osney Mead.

There are 17 apprentices, including one female trainee joiner, among the company's 160 staff and about six are taken on every year to begin a three-year apprenticeship.

Services manager Roger Pilcher said: "By taking on new blood and giving them the best possible start in the industry, we're creating a loyal workforce, who take pride in their job.

"In fact, a number of the company's former apprentices have gone on to take on senior positions."

At Symm, which was established in 1815, apprentices combine theoretical training at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College with on-site practice.

Every apprentice works towards an NVQ Level 3 and an Intermediate or Advanced Construction Award.

Apprentices can train as a bricklayer, site carpenter, wood machinist, joiner or painter and decorator. The company receives hundreds of applications every year for apprenticeships.

Mr Pilcher said: "Because we're registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills, we receive a grant of about £8,400 per apprentice, which pays for the first two years of their training.

"It's difficult to see why other companies aren't doing the same."

For more information and advice on how to recruit an apprentice contact CITB-ConstructionSkills on 023 8062 0505 or see www.citb-constructionskills.

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