A group of unemployed residents are celebrating after successfully completing a four-week taster programme that has already led to careers in the construction industry.
The Fast Track into Construction programme gives trainees the opportunities to gain practical work experience and try out different trades on a construction site.
As part of the four-week programme, run by Wolverhampton City Council in partnership with Wolverhampton Homes, Jobchange, the City of Wolverhampton College, Catch 22 and Heart & Soul Community, trainees completed the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS card), showing potential employers they have the necessary skills and ability to work on a construction site safely.
Of the dozen that completed the programme, two have already gained permanent employment and three are undertaking further work experience with a view to obtaining employment. The prospects for the other trainees are also very positive as they will receive further training in the construction industry or with Wolverhampton Homes.
Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The construction industry is growing strongly in Wolverhampton and employers are looking to fill vacancies.
“The Fast Track into Construction programme is an excellent model where collaborative working by partners is preparing unemployed residents for a career in this sector. I wish all the trainees a successful career in this field.”
Oliver Herrmann, Wolverhampton Homes’ Skills Development Manager, added: “This programme is a fantastic way of delivering qualifications and work experience to deliver life changing outcomes. The commitment of all trainees over the four weeks was superb and I believe they all have a great future in the construction industry.”
Duncan McGregor, who gained full time employment as an assistant plant manager at Premier Mortars after completing the programme, said: “Having been made redundant and finding it difficult to find work, it was starting to get me down. However the programme gave me the confidence and the skills to apply for a job in the construction industry and I was successful in finding work.”
Further Fast Track into Construction programmes will be held in the near future.
