Youngsters across Bolsover District are getting new job and career opportunities on top of 150 new social houses.
In partnership with Robert Woodhead Ltd, Bolsover District Council is running the four year B@Home Framework offering work placements, traineeships and apprenticeships for local people alongside using local businesses as sub-contractors and suppliers for the construction work.
Woodhead’s Skills and Engagement Co-ordinator, Matt Bust, said, “We are already talking with local colleges and giving presentations to school assemblies. We want more young people to know about all the different careers and trades used in the construction industry and help them with interview techniques to. Woodhead also supports people already working in the industry to get new skills.”
Ryan Suter (Pictured), studying plastering at the Chameleon Construction College, was the first to take up a work placement and said, “I’ve been working with the joiners and bricklayers - setting out the build and decking. It’s easier to learn through the practical experience than just reading about it. Now I know how a building site works and I’m thinking about learning bricklaying too.” He is already planning an apprenticeship when he leaves college.
Fellow student, Ben Clark explained his ambition to become a plasterer: “Helping my father with fencing and joinery helped me decide that I want to do practical work outdoors. There aren’t many plasterers around so this should be a good line of work – earning good money in a skilled trade. Being on site gives me real experience so the Health and Safety and lifting training gets put in to practice when I’m working with the bricklayers. Being with the team will increase my confidence – it’s good and fun. In the next five years, I’ll finish my course and an apprenticeship to become an employed worker.”
Talking about these first work placements, Matt said, “Ryan really set the standard - always being on time and doing what he was asked. Like him, we will take Ben through a mock CSCS test which gives them a better idea of what they need to know to be certified to work on site. The next students are already lined up and there will be many more over the coming years.”
You can contact Matt for more information about the B@Home project on 01623 821518.
This project is funded by Bolsover District Council and the Bolsover Partnership.