ONE of the most stupid decisions ever made in the further education sector, when administered by the old Worcestershire County Council, was to close down the building department in the late 1960s at Bromsgrove College of Further Education.

Courses available up to then, to north Worcestershire youngsters and adults, included City & Guilds subjects to Full Technological Certificate standard in brickwork, carpentry and joinery and plumbing. Plus courses in site management, supervision, builders' quantities and a range of recreational woodwork, DIY too.

Never in history has there been in the UK a greater shortage of skilled building craftspeople when, speaking from experience, few careers offer more job satisfaction.

The earnings potential today is an eye-opener. I can recall saying to my students at Bromsgrove College: "One day laddies, you will be next to royalty!"

Touring Skills4Work recently brought back to my wife and I many memories, not least of our first house in Arrow Road North. I was pleased to note the piers, walls, coalhouse etc that I built close on 50 years ago are still standing.

The excellent training facilities, in which I understand no less than £8 million has been poured in of the taxpayers' money, gave me a "holiday-in-the-heart."

Such an excellent facility for North East Worcestershire is long overdue.

May I be permitted to urge youngsters, young adults too who need re-training, parents, careers teachers, youth workers to visit?

''One seeing is worth a thousand tellings.''

The construction industry offers excellent career opportunities at operative, craft, technician, higher technician, supervisory and management levels.

County Councillor Tom Wareing

Jays Close

Winyates Green