Course is ‘vital’ in supporting our young learners
A FREE construction course which supports learning and future careers for young people in Leeds will start again this month following its major success.
It comes after 20 16 to 24-yearolds successfully completed an innovative new two-week training programme at the Kirkstall Forge Forging Futures Campus.
Designed to give participants an introduction to construction skills and provide exposure to employment opportunities in a variety of industry sectors, of the first 12 participants, five have already secured employment or apprenticeship interviews with the remainder pursuing pathways to further training and education with Leeds College of Building.
The students were presented with their Level 1 employability certificate by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Coun Jane Dowson and Leeds Rhinos player Jamie JonesBuchanan, who spoke about setting new goals and achieving aspirations.
Jonathan Kenny, development director of CEG, the developer behind the £400m Kirkstall Forge site, said: “The Forging Futures Campus construction courses are unique and help to motivate young people into new employment or education pathways. We hope to see those who are interested in construction back at our development as we continue to build out new phases.”
The students attended full time and undertook work placement days at Learning Partnerships, Efficiency North, Leeds College of Building and B38 Projects Ltd.
Sam Vandenbriele, 16, who completed the course, said: “It has really helped me to decide which career I want to forge and has provided valuable work experience and interview opportunities to help me get there.”
Following the first two successful courses, a further course will start this month.
Ewan Metcalf, MD of I Consult Ltd, which is managing the courses in partnership with Inspire & Educate, said: “This will be the first step for individuals commencing on their pathway to success.”
For a chance to participate, contact ewan@iconsultyorkshire.co.uk