RAMSEY apprentice James Skinner has scooped a top prize at the National Construction College (NCC) East s annual award ceremony. James, 22, employed as an apprentice by AFI Aerial Platforms Ltd, was among 25 apprentices recognised and presented with an a

RAMSEY apprentice James Skinner has scooped a top prize at the National Construction College (NCC) East's annual award ceremony.

James, 22, employed as an apprentice by AFI Aerial Platforms Ltd, was among 25 apprentices recognised and presented with an award at the annual ceremony. His accolade was top plant mechanics access platforms apprentice.

The ceremony, held at the college's site in Bircham Newton, Norfolk, was an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the college's apprentices and to celebrate 40 years of training at NCC East.

Director of NCC David Boyden said: "There has never been a more exciting time for young people to join the construction industry, with many large-scale projects in the East of England under way or on the horizon - such as the Haven Gateway, Felixstowe and Harwich port schemes and the M1 extension programme.

"The construction industry is set to boom and it is people like our apprentices who will continue to make our industry a credible and rewarding one."

Latest research from the Construction Skills Network report shows that the construction industry will need almost 15,000 new recruits in the East of England each year until 2010.

INFORMATION: NCC is the largest provider of construction training in the UK and Europe, offering young apprentices and adult students a wide range of specialist courses. For details about the college, courses and training on offer call 08704 166222 or visit www.nationalconstructioncollege.co.uk