A new scheme to help redundant pottery workers find a new career in the construction industry has been launched in Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent College and the potters union Ceramic and Allied Trade Union (CATU) to offer work experience sessions.
More than 1,000 jobs have been lost in the city's pottery industry over the last 12 months.
Pottery firm Arthur Wood Group Plc closed in October and more than 1,000 job losses were announced at Waterford Wedgwood in June.
Training schemes
Former pottery workers are being offered the chance to work with skilled city council craftsmen such as bricklayers, plasterers or plumbers
If, after one week's work experience, they are interested in pursuing a new career, follow up interviews will be held with Stoke-on-Trent College to help them enrol on suitable training schemes.
Steve Robinson, City Council Director of Housing and Consumer Protection, said: "Evidence both locally and nationally shows there is a shortage of skilled craft workers.
"It is hoped that this helping hand from the council will be the launch pad to a new career in a growth industry.
"The construction industry is growing in Stoke-on-Trent and will continue to increase because of regeneration schemes such as the North Staffordshire Housing Pathfinder Programme."
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