People looking to take their first steps in the construction industry are benefitting from free local training offered by the Kingshurst Construction Training Hub, in partnership with Solihull College & University Centre.
The Hub offers residents the chance to benefit from onsite training, with the aim of opening the door to future employment in the industry.
Part of the regeneration plan for Kingshurst Village, the training initiative is being led by Solihull Council and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It is being delivered in partnership with Solihull College & University Centre, Willmott Dixon, and RMF Group.
Residents can sign up to a short training course focusing on either groundworks or brickwork. Both courses combine practical onsite work experience with classroom-based learning and employability support. Upon successful completion, learners can obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and a guaranteed interview to put their new skills into practice. The course has been designed to equip learners with the essential skills and experience they need to start exploring an exciting career in construction.
One Solihull resident who has already benefited from the Construction Training Hub is Nathan Williams from Smith’s Wood. Having completed the groundwork course and gained his CSCS card, Nathan has already secured a job with the training provider RMF and will be helping to pass on his newfound skills and knowledge to future cohorts.
Nathan comments: “The skills and experience I have gained from the Kinghurst Construction Training Hub has been the foot in the door I needed into the construction industry. I still have plenty to learn but this course has given me the confidence to take the next step and find my own career path within the industry. I’d encourage anyone, who has maybe thought about getting into construction but wasn’t sure where to start, to take a look.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, comments: “Two of our key tasks as a region is to build more energy efficient and affordable homes for local people and to equip our residents with the skills they need to work in growing sectors like construction.
“That’s why the WMCA has not only invested £5.5m into this development in Kingshurst but has also funded the Construction Training Hub to provide people with a pathway into high quality job opportunities close to home.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, comments: “With so much future development planned across Solihull, I hope that this initiative can serve as an exemplar, showing what’s possible when we work closely with our contractors and local training providers to ensure that we maximise every social value opportunity. Working together we can add even more support for residents help them seize work opportunities across the borough.”
