ABC exceeds apprentice target

The Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) has exceeded its expectations by recruiting 77 new apprentice bricklayers.

Formed a year ago by 12 of the UK's leading brickwork contractors, the Association set itself a target of recruiting 45 apprentices across its members.

"Even though the Association has grown to 19 members, this achievement bodes well for the future," said Geoff Irvine, managing director of Irvine Whitlock Brickwork Contractors and chairman of the ABC.

"Much is reported about a looming shortage of qualified craftsmen in construction, so rather than talk ourselves into a self-fulfilling prophecy, we have overcome this inertia to set a new benchmark for apprentice recruitment in our industry," he added.

The Association focuses on four key areas: quality of work, employment, health & safety, and training and education. Membership is open to all brickwork contractors and subcontractors who use brick and who subscribe to these objectives.