Donation helps students build a brighter future

Students attending a construction skills course are building a brighter future, thanks to a donation of bricks and timber.

Macclesfield-based not for profit company, Trade Skills, received the donation from MKM building supplies and will use the much-needed materials to deliver tuition in construction skills to the youngsters who attend their facilities, helping them to gain practical training and qualifications.

Manager Mike McNamara explains: “Trade Skills provides alternate education to young people across Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire who are not in education or at risk of exclusion. We work with many schools, local authorities and partner agencies to ensure these young people get the opportunity to turn their lives around and become better, more pro-active members of our communities.

Many of our students gain qualifications, go on to further education, enrol on other training programmes, as well as securing full time employment and apprenticeships. The training and support that we provide has a major impact on their lives, helping them to gain self-confidence and self-esteem.

The donation of materials from MKM will enable our students to apply their skills in building and joinery.”

Peter Gibson, Director at Macclesfield’s branch of MKM said “We are delighted to donate the materials to Trade Skills in order that our potential customers of the future may develop their skills and education.”

Sadly, due to lack of funding Trade Skills is under threat of closure and is calling for support such as that shown by MKM to help them continue their valuable work.

Mike adds: “As well as asking schools to make the best use of the facilities available at Trade Skills, we’re appealing for other forms of support, be it information on funding streams or sponsorship from other organisations.”

Anyone able to offer support for Trade Skills should contact Mike McNamara on 07890 931382.