Merseyside’s long-term unemployed build better futures

13 July, 2011

A national government training scheme that aims to help the long-term unemployed get back into work is being piloted in Merseyside. 

The unique programme, which has been delivered by Wates Construction and Liverpool Community College, offers candidates a career kick-start in the construction industry through a combination of training work placements and a guaranteed job interview with Wates and local contractors.

The construction work academy is one of the UK’s first sector based work academies, which have been developed by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of its ‘Get Britain Working’ measures.

20 candidates from the city were shortlisted to take part in the Academy, which was created to improve the future prospects of those who have been socially excluded. More than 75 candidates were initially referred to the College through Jobcentreplus and Achieve Northwest. Atom Community Regeneration is one of Wates’ social enterprise partners and has worked with all parties to facilitate the process and build on Wates’ wider regeneration and local economic benefit plan in Merseyside.  

The candidates, aged 21 to 39, have already spent two weeks at Liverpool Community College learning a variety of building trades including joinery and brickwork as well as pre employment training skills to help them become ready for work. They are now putting their new skills into practice through a rigorous two-week work placement with Wates on construction of the £19.5m Mount Pleasant campus for Liverpool John Moores University.

Matthew Gbadago (22) from Anfield commented: “I have really enjoyed the work so far and I feel so much better about myself. I would love to pursue a career in this field and I am grateful to both Wates and Liverpool Community College for giving me the chance to take part.”

Upon completion of the programme, all candidates will be offered an interview with Wates and its supply chain, with the intention of providing them with the opportunity to gain full time employment.

Elaine Bowker, Principal at Liverpool Community College, said: “This programme is a great example of how the College works directly with businesses and the local community to create a skilled and desirable workforce. The college will continue to develop successful programmes in conjunction with key employers across the region in order to establish its position as the leading provider in this field.” 

Wesley Allmark, Project Director for Wates Construction, commented: “It was always our intention to use our role in the redevelopment of Mount Pleasant campus to create opportunities for those struggling to overcome social barriers and improve their employability. This combined programme of training and site experience will do just that and I am so pleased we have been able to work with Liverpool Community College to deliver the scheme. All the candidates are already showing real promise so I am confident a glittering construction career awaits them.”

Sue Riley, District Manager for Jobcentreplus Merseyside, added: “We are delighted with the success of the Wates Construction work academy and will now be building on this by working with other employers in Merseyside. It is our intention to introduce sector based work academies across a number of industries from August to enable more of our jobseekers to secure employment.”

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Tags: CSR, Employability, LJMU, North West