College reveals plans to grow construction team to meet demand
Wirral Met College is launching a recruitment drive to boost its construction team to meet demand and support local regeneration plans.
In proposals set out in the draft local plan currently under consultation, around 8,000 of 13,360 homes required during the plan period could be delivered as part of the 1bn regeneration of Birkenhead town centre and Peel L&P and Wirral Council’s 500-acre docklands mixed use scheme Wirral Waters.
In response, Wirral Met is hosting a specialist recruitment event on Wednesday 8 June between 6pm and 7.30pm as it looks to fill a number of construction teaching roles due to planned growth in the department.
The evening will showcase flexible teaching roles available across brickwork, joinery, plastering, electrical, plumbing, gas, and painting and decorating, as well as building services and engineering.
Sue Higginson, principal at Wirral Met College, said: “Over the next 30 years, the regeneration project by Peel L&P will result in a substantial growth in job opportunities, especially in construction. There will be a need to upskill an experienced workforce and train young people with new skills across all trades.
“To support the growth of construction activity in Wirral, we are looking for experienced construction industry professionals to pass on their skills to a new generation.
“Many industry professionals aren’t aware that they don’t need a degree to start teaching in further education. Wirral Met will provide and pay for teacher training, allowing tradespeople to share their skills, knowledge and experience with others. Roles are also available part-time or full-time, giving workers the flexibility to teach around their current occupations.
“Over 300 students took part in the construction of our award-winning campus and we are looking to continue this legacy by building our team now to support local development opportunities.”
Richard Mawdsley, director of development for Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters said: “From the outset Peel L&P has been committed to maximising opportunities for local people stemming from the Wirral Waters regeneration project, and our long-term strategic partnership with Wirral Met College is a critical part of us delivering on this commitment.
“The partnership started with the completion of the Wirral Met College Construction campus in 2015 and continues to deliver significant social value.
“During this latest phase of delivery, we have worked with the college and our main contractors to maximise opportunities for learning, site visits, work experience, apprenticeships, and jobs for the students.
“As the construction begins on other developments – including the £130m Millers Quay development, this partnership will grow to the benefit of local people seeking training and job opportunities in construction.”
