Furness College has launched a programme to help get more people into apprenticeships in construction.
The Apprenticeship Academy for Construction will help 16-24 year olds seeking an apprenticeship in this fast-growing sector to get the skills they need to secure an apprenticeship.
The programme offers training across all the trades – plastering, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating as well as groundwork.
Head of Business Development Luci Ord said: “We are aware that the construction industry has lots of new starts and vacancies and that there are people in Barrow and the surrounding areas who are looking to get into this sector.
“We have experienced tutors and world-class facilities at our Channelside campus where people can join the academy to help secure them a sought-after apprenticeship.”
The college is also looking for employers to offer work placements in construction, with an incentive of up to £1,000.
Steve Walker, of Quality Construction based in Barrow, has offered a work placement to 16-year-old Lochlan Gosling, a former Walney School pupil, under the new Apprenticeship Academy.
“We are a company that carries out all the trades in the construction industry so we think the carousel at the college where the student experiences all the trades is fantastic. We get apprentices who start thinking they know what trade they want but it doesn’t always work out and we think this programme will help retention industry-wide,” he said. “The fact that Lochlan can go round all the different trades means we will find the right fit for him. I see him regularly and he has a real buzz about him, he is loving it. He originally started out wanting to be a joiner but has now developed more of an interest in brickwork and once the six weeks of training are completed we will be sitting down with the college staff and offering him a full-time apprenticeship in the area of his choice.”
Steve McAloone, Director of Curriculum, Technical, Adult and Employer Learning, said the college is already in discussion with employers about rolling out the programme to other areas such as business administration.
“With the government announcing £111m funding boost to help young people in England get work experience, Furness College is delighted to launch the Apprenticeship Academy. The programme will allow students to gain valuable life experiences, boost their confidence, experience the world of work and obtain hands-on experience in a range of vocational areas on offer.
“On completion, students will then have the opportunity to employment at the end of the programme. We look forward to working with new employers and our existing ones to provide our students the necessary experience to give them a step-up. Inspiring and changing lives is at the heart of everything we do here at Furness College.”
For more information about joining the programme or to offer a work placement, email [email protected] and title your email Apprenticeship Academy.
