A new centre dedicated to creating the next generation of electricians has opened in York , says Yorkpress.
JTL Training Centre in Outgang Lane, on Osbaldwick Industrial Estate, was officially launched on Friday following a £500,000 investment.
The not-for-profit, work-based training provider helps to fill the skills gaps in traditional trades, and has almost 8,000 apprentices working with JTL for more than 3,500 employers across both England and Wales.
JTL chief executive Jon Graham said: “We are really excited about the York centre. We hope it will help employ many young people in the area and help employers with skills that are desperately needed. Our motto is to build futures and change lives. The apprenticeships we run are doing that.
“We now have about 12 centres around the country and around 115 partnerships. We are an educational charity. We were formed in 1990 by the trade unions and trade associations. We operate in building services. Not only do we help with recruiting our apprentices but when they come into the JTL fold, we manage the four-year apprenticeship and work closely with the employers
“The more we can encourage young people from this area to look at other options, especially if they have practical skills, the better.
“Becoming an electrician, or plumbing and heating engineer isn’t necessarily an easy option.”
“Without centres like this we have no development within the industry,” he said. “Electricity isn’t going anywhere. We need people to fit it. It is not something you can get an app for. This centre is a great opportunity.”