NOCN Group (www.nocn.org.uk) have today announced a funding initiative for the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF). The agreement provides underpinning funding for all CCATF related activities and members engagement practices.

Speaking about the funding award, NOCN Chief Executive, Graham Hasting Evans commented “Our long-standing relationship with CCATF both as a member and supporter of their activities means this agreement is something of a natural step forward. NOCN have a comprehensive, provision of apprenticeship qualifications and services designed to support the construction sector including our SiteRight product.”

Mr Hasting-Evans continued “By supporting the CCATF we are empowering wider employer engagement with young people, apprentices and other individuals and supporting the much-needed talent pipeline in the sector.”

In response Martyn Price, MBE, Chair of the CCATF commented, “We are delighted that NOCN have been generous and agreed to support the valuable work we undertake. Our primary aim is to work with employers and other stakeholders to increase the take up of apprenticeships within the construction sector. This support contribution from NOCN allows us to develop better links and associations with sector-based employers, which in turn leads to greater levels of uptake and starts for apprentices.”

Price finished by saying “We cite over 25,000 construction apprenticeships currently being delivered or supported by our membership base and whilst it’s rewarding to see this number grow it’s equally just as satisfying to engage with a new business and help create that first apprenticeship start, which is something we have done now on so many different occasions.”

The funding agreement covers the next 3-years through until the end of 2024 and underpins the core support services of the CCATF.