Derby College has teamed up with the Prince’s Trust and Balfour Beatty to run a special programme for young unemployed people who are keen to get a foothold into work.
Thirteen young people aged 16 to 24 have completed the four-week ‘Get into Construction’ programme which has included practical training sessions in plastering, painting and decorating, brickwork and joinery at Derby College and work experience at Balfour Beatty Construction sites in Derby. They have also completed health and safety training to gain the CSCS card which allows them to work on site and will boost their job prospects for the future
Among the young people on the course was Arran Chaplin (21) from Ilkeston who has struggled to find a permanent job since leaving school.
“I have done some mechanics work in a garage and some demolition work but it has been a struggle to get a job so when I found out about this at the Job Centre, I was keen to get involved.
“I have two young children and just want a job to be able to look after my family. I must have applied for 50 different jobs over the last year but have got nothing.
“This programme has given me the chance to learn new skills and then hopefully make a good impression at a company.”
Ryan McKeown (19) from Sandiacre left College in Nottingham last year after studying joinery but has struggled to get a job.
“I see this as my chance to get work experience at one of the biggest construction companies in the UK and I hope that they will see me as a good candidate for any vacancies that come up in the future. If not, it will be a good thing to have on my CV and it has also been good to come back to a different College to brush up on my skills.”
Derby College Faculty Head Dawn Kemp said: “This is the first time that Derby College has been involved in the programme led by the Prince’s Trust and it has been heartening to see young people really engage both at College and in the workplace in the hope of boosting their job prospects.
“We wish these young people the best of luck in the future and I am sure that the skills and confidence that this experience will give them a better chance of finding work in the construction industry.”
Tony Ellender, Training Manager for Balfour Beatty Construction said:“Balfour Beatty has run a number of these programmes across the North of England and Midlands but this is the first time it has been delivered in Derby. Through our involvement with the BSF we hope to help local unemployed young people gain the skills and experience they need to land a role in today’s competitive jobs market.”
For further information about similar courses, contact the Prince’s Trust, Tel: 0115 8456497 www.princes-trust.org.uk