A window and door specialist has announced that it has secured employment contracts for it’s team of apprentices, despite the recent announcement of the Carillion collapse.
ERW Ltd, which is based in Middlesbrough, currently has three apprentices with Carillion and was due to employ a further three when news of the collapse broke. Following the confirmation of Carillion’s liquidation, which effectively terminated employment contracts held with the firm, the timber window and door manufacturer has secured all of its apprentice’s contracts for them to continue with their employment.
Speaking about the firm’s apprentices, Phil Tye, ERW’s Operations Manager said, “Immediately after the announcement from Carillion we held a meeting with our current apprentices and we have made a commitment to them that regardless of the position with Carillion, we will secure their future training and employment with ERW.”
The family owned and run company has been established since 1979, and provides bespoke timber frame windows and doors to homes and businesses across the North of England.
“As a company we have a long term commitment to all of our staff, including our young apprentices. We are keen to invest in the younger generation with a view of them going into full time employment within the business once they have completed their qualifications.”
ERW’s Head of Design and Issuing, Jamie Dixon, is a prime example of the team’s dedication to nurturing young talent. After joining the company as an apprentice, Jamie completed his studies and is now a part of the senior management team and an integral part of the business.
“Even after the news breaking on Carillion on Monday we went ahead and interviewed a number of apprentices as we had previously planned, and we have since appointed three new apprentice’s into roles within our business” added Phil.
It has been reported that up to 1,400 apprentices could be caught up in the collapse of Carillion and 19,500 workers around the country are facing an uncertain future because of the liquidation of the company, which was announced on Monday.
“It’s an uncertain and sad time for many young people in Teesside, and we will be doing what we can to support the younger generation in skilled trades like ours. We realise as a business, where a lot of the expertise and crafts skills are among the older workforce, we must invest in the younger generation for the traditional trade’s like ours to continue to survive.”
