Local MP Bill Rammell celebrated Construction Training Partnership’s second successful year of operation on Friday when he visited the Burnt Mill site to take a tour of the facility and meet staff and apprentices.

Bill Rammell officially opened the centre back in 2008 when as Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Life-long skills he was responsible for the development and promotion of apprenticeships.

Since this time, the company has gone from strength to strength, taking a total 146 Harlow students through certificated construction training courses in bricklaying, carpentry, painting and decorating, plumbing, electrical and plastering this year. In addition to this the company has recruited 24 apprentices and is continuing to train them in various trades.

This year, Construction Training Partnership is also celebrating a 92% achievement from all students in 2008/9. This means students registered a 87% success rate this year and a 91% retention rate. The partnership takes the majority of its students from local Harlow schools and the surrounding area. The centre is also open to 16-18 year olds and to adults.

Mr Rammell said: “With Harlow head teachers singing the praises of Construction Training Partnership, I am delighted that the apprenticeship provision is growing and celebrating its second successful year of operation. It is vital that there is a good quality range of vocational courses available in Harlow, and just from visiting the organisation and talking to staff and students it is clear just how good the atmosphere is there. Students have done really well in their qualifications this year, and I wish both students and the Construction Training Partnership all the best for the future.”

John Collyer, Director of Construction Training Partnership, said: “I am grateful to Bill Rammell for visiting to celebrate our second year and I know how much he supported us right from the outset. Our students have achieved really good results this year and long may this continue.”