Council picks up training award
BLABY District Council has won an award at the Insider Media Residential Property Awards for its work to give people training and opportunities in the construction industry.
Named Best Skills and Training Scheme at the awards ceremony, the Council was recognised for the Building Blaby Futures scheme, which has been running at the New Lubbesthorpe development since 2017.
The scheme is funded by the Section 106 agreement for the New Lubbesthorpe development and the landowners Drummond Estates. Work has included presenting to over 170 female students at workshops to encourage them to consider the construction industry as a career path. These workshops – taking place in local schools – have been presented by female ambassadors.
Work experience placements for both adults and college students have been arranged with housebuilders and construction partners. 268 local people have benefitted from the employment, skills & training pilot, including 30 jobs for long term unemployed people. Three sites visits were arranged for 34 young people and 10 apprenticeships have been undertaken.
After the success of the scheme at New Lubbesthorpe, the expansion of Fosse Park is also planned as a site for people to learn and gain valuable work-place knowledge.
Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Regulatory Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award and receive recognition for out team’s efforts to give a variety of people – from students to ex-offenders – the chance to gain valuable work experience and training.”
“New Lubbesthorpe is a major development in this district, and we have worked hard to ensure that the enormous opportunities available during the construction of our new community have been maximised.
“We particularly want to thank our partners, including the Drummond Estate, for their continuing support on a scheme which is making such a positive difference for residents of the district.”
Any businesses or local schools interested in getting involved can contact 0116 275 0555 or email strategic.partnerships@blaby.gov.uk.