Funding to support the next generation of construction talent
Not for profit community organisation, EN:Able Futures, has secured funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and to deliver a new series of construction skills training for 16 – 24 year olds in partnership with CEG.
The programme will see approimxately 60 people undertake an 8-10 week Construction Skills 4 Life traineeship at the Kirkstall Forge Forging Futures campus. Participants will secure employability qualifications, improve their English, Maths and IT skills, learn construction skills such as working at heights, asbestos awareness, manual handling, first aid and try their hand at a range of construction trades.
The courses will provide successful participants with a Level 1 employability certificate, a CSCS card, as well as getting career guidance, access to employment opportunities in the property sector and mentoring support which could lead to further training and apprenticeships. Each learner will also get a minimum of 100 hours of work experience within the sector.
To facilitate the delivery of this programme EN:Able Futures will work closely with CEG, with support from I Consult and Inspire & Educate. Forging Futures have a great track record in delivering traineeships, previously providing almost 80 young people with the opportunity to complete the courses to date, with more than 70% of the participants going into jobs, apprenticeships or full time education to further their learning.
Julie Deeley, Head of Operations, EN:Able Futures, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding through CITB’s Pathways into Construction that enables us to continue expanding our provision of high quality construction skills training and apprenticeships in Yorkshire and Humber.”
Ewan Metcalf MD of I Consult Ltd is delivering the courses on behalf of CEG. He said “This will be the first step for individuals commencing on their pathway to success whether that be further learning or entering directly in to employment. We are very excited about the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of local people at the Kirkstall Forge development.”
Since opening in 2017 the Forging Futures Campus at Kirkstall Forge has worked closely with CEG’s construction partners, Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council, in order train the city’s future architects, bricklayers, civil engineers, joiners, plumbers and electricians by providing a live construction area, class rooms and facilitating site visits, curriculum projects and hands-on mentoring support.
Lucinda Yeadon, Community Liaison Manager, said: “With current estimates showing the social value output from Forging Futures Campus reaching £240 million during the 20-year Kirkstall Forge development, this will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact for the individuals involved, as well as the city.
“For this latest series of courses we would like to encourage anyone between 16 and 24 who is not in employment or education to sign up – we are also actively looking to encourage more females to enter into the construction industry.”
