More than 1,000 young people had the chance to try out the latest cutting-edge technology in the construction sector at a showcase event organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) last week.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the first ‘Plant Construction Careers Live’ event at Millennium Point, Birmingham was held. The event was open to school and college students, unemployed adults and those searching for a career change. Visitors had a go on plant simulators, watched demonstrations of the latest machinery, found out about emerging jobs and how virtual reality and robotics are being used in the construction sector.
Solihull College & University Centre were represented alongside 30 other employers, colleges, universities and specialist training providers.
The College were on hand to give expert advice and information about future jobs in the sector including their operational partnership with RMF on the WMCA’s Construction Gateway initiative. The programme aims to help unemployed people who would like to move into the construction industry.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who opened the event, said: “The construction industry in the region is expected to create 50,000 new jobs over the next ten years, offering fantastic careers for young people and adults. It’s vital to the success of the industry that we bring in fresh talent.”
Solihull College & University Centre brought along their virtual reality excavator simulator for attendees to try out. Head of Woodlands Campus at the College Mick Nicholl said: “This event is a joint effort between employers, providers and funding bodies targeting young people to show them the options available to them. Students need to be exposed to all the opportunities and career pathways they may not have even known existed.”
Student Nathan, 17, who is studying a multi craft course added: “I have loved the event, it really helps people decide what they want to do. Today has inspired me and I’m now looking towards a plant operating based career!”
For more information on the WMCA Construction Gateway please email enquiries@solihull.ac.uk or info@rmfconstruction.co.uk
