Salford trainees lay careers foundations
29 June 2021
A pioneering training scheme has helped another 33 young people lay the foundations for a career in Salford’s booming construction industry.
Build Salford, a unique training scheme for Salford’s young people is supported by more than 20 key construction employers and co-ordinated by Apprenticeships at Salford City College and Salford City Council.
Thirty-three young people have just passed their Level 1 Health Safety Environment Awareness (HSEA) training and 25 of them now have their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – with the rest due to qualify in the next few weeks. Housebuilder Keepmoat Homes funded the four-week long training which was delivered by Salford Foundation and the tests which are a key part of recruitment to Build Salford.
Allan Milne, Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships at Salford City College, said: “By very generously funding and facilitating this element of the Build Salford recruitment process, Keepmoat Homes have ensured local people benefit enormously."
"Not only has it given potential trainees the chance to shine, it has also provided all participants with essential knowledge and skills expected by the construction industry. It is a great addition to the Build Salford offer, and as always, Salford Foundation have done a great job delivering this element of the scheme.”
Allan Milne, Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships at Salford City College
Tom Dwelly, BBYS Project Co-ordinator at Salford Foundation, said: “It has been clear to see the effect of the pandemic on our young participants. Many, who already had so many barriers in the way of their progression, have felt isolated and stagnant for the past 18 months. This year's CSCS programme has been a place of positivity and opportunity which has been reflected by the young people's desire to achieve and engage with the course.”
The programme was delivered from the new Morgan Sindall ‘Knowledge Quad’, based on a live building site at the University of Salford, which allowed participants to see first-hand the practical application of what they were learning on the CSCS programme.
Gareth Roberts, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes explained: “We’re extremely proud to be a key partner in the co-ordination and delivery of the CSCS programme in conjunction with Salford Foundation, which is instrumental to prepare candidates for the Build Salford traineeship."
"This year, we had over 30 participants on the programme, and it has been a real pleasure supporting the young trainees in establishing a career for themselves within the construction industry. We wish them all the very best of luck in the future.”
Gareth Roberts, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes
The latest Build Salford traineeship programme started in May for 16 young people who have completed the CSCS programme. The traineeship consists of a three week ‘getting site ready’ phase which includes site visits, guest speakers, trade taster sessions and the planning of a customised work placement. This is followed by a six weeks work placement, during which there is support for applications to an apprenticeship.
Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, Salford City Council, said: “Salford is in the middle of a building boom so there are huge career opportunities for young people. Build Salford is about helping young people who might otherwise struggle to take up those opportunities to get on the ladder and start building their future.”
To find out more about the CSCS programme, contact John Jordan, Project Co-ordinator at Build Salford, on john.jordan@salford.gov.uk.