Those looking to take their first steps into the construction industry can now benefit from free local training offered by the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub.
The Council’s wholesale regeneration of Kinghurst Village Centre is in full swing, with the first phase of new house building currently underway on the site of the former Mountfort pub. Linked to this wider Council-led scheme, the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub is offering local residents the chance to benefit from onsite training with the aim of opening the door to future employment in the industry.
This exciting training initiative has been led by Solihull Council and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It is delivered in partnership with Willmott Dixon, Solihull College & University Centre and RMF Group. The project is just one of the ways Solihull Council is looking to maximise some of the local opportunities connected to the wider regeneration of Kingshurst Village Centre.
Residents can sign up to a short training course focusing on either groundworks or brickwork. Both courses combine practical onsite work experience with classroom-based learning and employability support. Upon successful completion, learners can obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and a guaranteed interview to put their new skills into practice. The course has been designed to equip learners with the essential skills and experience they need to start exploring an exciting career in construction.
One Solihull resident who has already benefited from the Construction Training Hub is Nathan Williams from Smith’s Wood. Having completed the groundwork course and gained his CSCS card, Nathan has already secured a job with the training provider RMF and will be helping to pass on his newfound skills and knowledge to future cohorts.
Nathan said:
“The skills and experience I have gained from the Kinghurst Construction Training Hub has been the foot in the door I needed into the construction industry. I still have plenty to learn but this course has given me the confidence to take the next step and find my own career path within the industry. I’d encourage anyone, who has maybe thought about getting into construction but wasn’t sure where to start, to take a look.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for Skills and Employment Support, said:
“The Kinghurst construction training hub is already unlocking local opportunities, for those looking to take their first steps into the construction industry.
Tackling unemployment locally is something we are determined to address head-on, that’s why we have launched this training hub in Kingshurst and are ensuring it’s accessible to the residents who can benefit the most from it. In addition to practical skills for the industry, learners will benefit from employability training that will be useful for exploring careers in all industries. After completing the course, our Employment and Skills Team will be in touch with the learners and they can continue to get the right support that they may need to get ready for the career paths they desire.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said:
“From the start our regeneration plans for Kingshurst have always been about much more than just bricks and mortar. We want to deliver a scheme based around the wants and needs of the local community that provides opportunities at every step.
“With so much future development planned across Solihull, I hope that this initiative can serve as an exemplar, showing what’s possible when we work closely with our contractors and local training providers to ensure that we maximise every social value opportunity. Working together we can add even more support for residents help them seize work opportunities across the borough.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Two of our key tasks as a region is to build more energy efficient and affordable homes for local people and to equip our residents with the skills they need to work in growing sectors like construction.
“That’s why the WMCA has not only invested £5.5m into this development in Kingshurst but has also funded the Construction Training Hub to provide people with a pathway into high quality job opportunities close to home.
“So Kingshurst Village Centre is a scheme that works on many levels. It will provide affordable homes for local people as well as valuable hands-on construction experience for 50 residents.
“I look forward to seeing people move into these new homes and the residents who are helping to build them go on to long and rewarding careers in the construction industry.”
To find out more about the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub and register your interest can visit Solihull Council’s website: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/kingshurst-training
Notes:
Training is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) via the Adult Education Budget (AEB) Eligibly criteria apply:
- aged 19 or above
- currently unemployed, or employed with an annual income under £30,000
- have the right to work in the UK and meet the relevant residency requirements.
- Solihull residents will be prioritised but it is open to any resident of the West Midlands Combined Authority area.