Those who are hoping to embark on a construction training course in the near future might be interested to read that a group of youngsters in North Lanarkshire are celebrating having secured apprenticeships with repairs and maintenance provider Maintenance and Property Care (MPC).

A joint venture between Morrison and North Lanarkshire Council in the central belt of Scotland, the apprenticeship scheme has increased its intake by more than 50 per cent this year compared to 2008.

Managing director John Boyd said that MPC is very pleased to have been able to offer so many apprenticeships in 2009, especially because some firms have had to reduce or withdraw equivalent schemes as a result of the economic climate.

"Apprentices play an essential part in our business and in the construction industry as a whole and it is vital that they continue to receive support and funding from companies and the government," he stated.