Unique training opportunity on Beverley Integrated Transport Plan
20th December 2013 2:07pm - Return to press releases
East Riding College has teamed up with the contractors behind East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s £22million Beverley Integrated Transport Plan to offer a unique, free construction training experience to a limited number of people.
Opportunities with local colleges and training providers, such as placements and site visits, are a standard requirement for any tender under the council’s framework and Birse Civils, a Balfour Beatty company, has given the College exclusive access to the construction site to enable learners to gain new skills and work experience on a major live project.
Demand for places is expected to be high as the course will give successful students the qualifications required to work in the industry and a guaranteed exit interview and references.
It is aimed at people who are interested in this growth industry, whether they are young people or adults, including those who are out of work or facing redundancy.
Ian Frear, head of construction at the College, said: “This really is a unique opportunity for learners to gain qualifications recognised by the construction industry on-site in a major ongoing civil engineering project.
“The occupations of civil engineering and general construction operatives are two of the projected growth areas within the industry over the next five years and this is a chance for learners to get a foothold within this fast paced, exciting sector.”
Learners from the College have already benefited from a visit to the construction site.
Joinery student Kim Hornshaw, 23, from Beverley, said: “Being in the construction trade is all about hands-on learning and watching projects grow and develop before your eyes.
“This course is a great opportunity to be a part of something that will both benefit Beverley and help learners to develop valuable, practical skills for the future. Young people will get a feel of the construction industry without being confined to the classroom.
Brickwork student Rob Middleton, 17, also from Beverley, said: “The visit was interesting and informative. I was interested in the processes used on a large civil engineering site and compared this to other site experiences I have had.
“It has shown me a different aspect of the construction industry as I work towards completing my course and hopefully gaining employment.”
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of council, said: “This is a great initiative between East Riding College and Birse Civils and will allow a number of local young people to develop skills and practical experience in the construction industry, which was one of the council’s key objectives when tendering for the scheme.”
Martin Black, project manager for Birse Civils, said; “I am delighted to have worked with East Riding College to implement an educational skills plan on our project in Beverley. We look forward to welcoming students on site where we can provide those interested in a construction career with real on-site experience and skills presentations.”
Starting in February, the course will be open to 15 16 to 18-year-old learners and 25 aged 19 and over who are successful in their application. It is free to 16 to 18-year-olds and to adults who are unemployed and who fit a range of other criteria.
They will gain the Level Two Diploma in General Construction Operations, improve their essential skills in maths and English and work towards the Construction Skills Card Scheme, the industry standard for on-site workers.
Additional benefits of the link-up with Birse Civils include regular toolbox talks, contractor interviews and bespoke training, instruction and assessment.
Applications for the course must be submitted by February 10. For more information or to request an application form, call 0845 120 0037 or go to www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/bitp
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Notes to editors
For more information about this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 390720 or email [email protected]
