Skills Hub hosted the first Newcastle Construction Week last week, in sites across Newcastle and Gateshead.
Attending The Core at Newcastle Science Central were Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth at Newcastle City Council; and Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, to see for themselves the positive impact that Newcastle Construction Week has had.
In partnership with some of the region’s key businesses and organisations, including NE1 and Newcastle Science Central, the week offered a range of taster session for young people aged 14 – 24.
Free to take part, the events gave local young people the opportunity to try a range of practical workshops, site visits and talks to give them a flavour of what the construction industry can offer in terms of employment and training opportunities.
Cllr Bell, who is also a Board Member for Newcastle Science Central, said: ‘Construction is a dynamic and rewarding industry in which to work, with so many varied job roles and opportunities available here in the North East.
‘’We have a thriving construction industry in our region and businesses need a skilled workforce, with the right training to take up a range of jobs. Giving our young people a taste of what the industry can offer benefits them, and the businesses in which they can further their careers. The region’s economy benefits too from a thriving construction sector’’.
MP Chi Onwurah said, ‘’It was great to visit this event today as part of Newcastle Construction Week and support our young people in exploring opportunities within the construction industry.
‘’I believe it’s absolutely vital that we retain young talent in our region and open up avenues and opportunities in an engaging way, ensuring that this talent benefits Newcastle and the wider North East, and helps our economy grow through this key sector’’.
Newcastle Construction Week included free sessions on Dry Lining, Roof Slating and Tiling, sites visits with key employers, as well as activities that explored professional roles in architecture, engineering and management, among a range of other activities.
More information on providing people with help to access to employment and training opportunities can be found at skillshub@newcastle.gov.uk