As part of its commitment to supporting women in business and construction, Merseyside restoration specialist The Forshaw Group is offering apprenticeships to five of its team. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside building restoration specialist The Forshaw Group is upskilling five female members of its team by putting them through apprenticeships.

On the eve of National Apprenticeships Week, the Knowsley-based business is partnering with Sysco Business Skills Academy to deliver the apprenticeships. It forms part of its commitment to supporting women in business and construction.

The Forshaw Group is a keen supporter of training for the wellbeing of the industry and the wider community, and to date has helped support more than 100 apprentices through its Apprenticeship Academy.

Amy Meath, Lauren Cooper, and Danielle Seddon will be upskilling their existing expertise within customer experience. Natasha Hurley will progress her career in human resources. Mollie Murray will also be furthering her training with the restoration team, to deliver essential repair services to homes and businesses across the UK.

Forshaw managing director, Liam Hanlon, said: “Undergoing skilled and further training is essential for addressing the ongoing skills gaps found in this industry. There has never been a greater focus on how we can best provide the best opportunities for young people’s personal development.”

“By helping these young women enhance their careers in their specialist roles, we hope this will encourage other local companies to undertake apprenticeship training for their staff.

“This will not only aid the future of their business, but also provide the social, professional and economic mobility the industry will continue to need to thrive.”

The Forshaw Group works closely with insurance companies and loss adjusters, to renovate commercial and residential property across the UK, which have been damaged by fire or flood.

One of the apprentices, Amy Meath, added: “I enjoy working at The Forshaw Group as every day is different and it is a great environment to be in, with the opportunity of learning new skills.

“Through this training I will be able to help more people with their restoration enquiries, gaining the experience to be able to best assist them with their situations. I would highly recommend giving apprenticeships a chance. They are essential in helping young people learn the skills needed to succeed in their career.”