The government has announced that it hopes to introduce 7,000 apprenticeships for the construction industry. That sounds great, but there could be many pitfalls, such as school leavers being used as cheap labour by unscrupulous employers. I was an apprentice electrician myself, having left school at 16 in 1983.

Apprentices Abused

I was fortunate to be employed by a large firm under a properly run scheme controlled by the JIB, a recognised industry organisation. I did see some apprentices abused and given all the crap jobs to do - making tea, sweeping up, and generally used as a dogsbody. Construction unions must get involved in these new apprenticeships which are being planned, carefully monitoring the schemes and ensuring as top priority first class health and safety for youngsters in the lethal workplaces that exists on many building sites.

There is massive potential for young new recruits to get involved in unions and plenty of opportunity to educate and organise elected stewards and safety reps, which are vital on all building sites. The youth of today are the future of our society and our workplaces. It has often been said by older site workers "would you want your children working on a building site?" Well we need more construction workers and apprenticeships have been a thing of the past in recent years. So yes, if training is carried out properly with attractive pay rates and decent conditions, then I would encourage youngsters to get a trade and join a union at an early age.

Numerous Sackings

Despite the struggles and numerous sackings I experienced in 20 years on sites, I can look back and will always remember the togetherness and comradeship in the freezing cold and the rain, heads held high knowing that we had won another victory over our gaffers. We stood shoulder to shoulder and united we always came out on top.