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published: 14/5/2012
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BIS Minister Mark Prisk launches BRE Apprenticeship Scheme

Minister for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk MP, visited BRE Watford today to launch the organisation’s new Apprenticeship Scheme. Offering the first laboratory technician apprenticeships in the region, the programme provides participants with practical and theoretical knowledge of working in the environmental and fire testing industries.

The first six recruits to the scheme are already working alongside BRE experts, gaining a unique insight into fire resistance, detection and suppression as well as learning about the use of materials, test instruments, climatic and environmental testing. All are completing an apprenticeship following the laboratory technician framework which involves attending Oaklands College in St Albans one day per week to complete an academic qualification.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “It’s a pleasure to be invited to help launch BRE’s very first apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships equip people of all ages with the skills they need to succeed, and having a strong skills base will remain crucial in leading the economy towards renewed growth.

“Despite the economic climate, the construction and built environment continues to recognise the value of apprenticeships. It’s this investment in skills that will help support the industry in meeting its green targets as we move towards a low carbon economy.”

 Dr. Peter Bonfield, Chief Executive of BRE said “We are proud to be offering professional development and growth for young people from the local community. They will be the sustainable building experts of tomorrow and will help us continue to build on our own success as a business.”

During his visit the Minister also toured a number of buildings on theBREInnovationParkincluding the Victorian Terrace, the flagship refurbishment project which showcases some of the latest retrofit solutions that BRE and its partners have been working on in advance of the rollout of the Government’s Green Deal initiative.

Mr Prisk also heard about BRE’s progress in establishing a global network of Innovation Parks in China, Brazil, the US, Canada and India that will drive green export growth for the UK construction sector.


For more information, contact Linda McKeown at BRE on mckeownl@bre.co.uk

See photos from the visit on Flickr


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