Lafarge Tarmac will take on 75 new apprentices this year.This week is National Apprenticeship Week and to mark the event the contractor is launching its annual recruitment programme.The firm will offer apprenticeship opportunities to youngsters across many of its 330 UK sites.Cyrille Ragoucy, CEO of Lafarge Tarmac, said: “We’re passionate about creating a lasting skills legacy. I believe that our commitment to learning and innovation means we are well placed to offer expert support and guidance to nurture skills and kick-start successful, high quality careers. Our apprenticeships are a great opportunity for candidates to gain a nationally-recognised qualification and develop practical experience in a dynamic industry.”Skills Minister Nick Boles added: “Apprenticeships make absolute business sense while providing life changing opportunities for young people across the country. I am therefore delighted that Lafarge Tarmac is to employ 75 new apprenticeships. I would urge employers of all sizes to follow Lafarge Tarmac’s lead and to consider how they can make apprenticeships part of their growth strategy.”Opportunities at Lafarge Tarmac are available in a wide range of specialisms from mechanical and electrical apprenticeships, to lab technicians, management trainees and road operatives. The business will also be hiring six higher apprentices, who will be offered a work-based learning programme within the aggregates and quarrying business that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.James Malloy, a quantity surveyor apprentice who joined Lafarge Tarmac in 2012, said: “The apprenticeship programme has transformed my life. It has provided me with solid vocational experience, as well as improved my career prospects and helped me fulfil my lifetime ambition of attending university. Lafarge Tarmac has supported me throughout this journey and is helping me fulfil my potential.”