MILLER HOMES and Gateshead College are helping to build the construction workforce of tomorrow after joining forces to inspire a generation.
The announcement of the partnership follows a report from the Local Government Association (LGA) which found that despite a 54 percent increase in industry recruitment demand over the past two years, the number of construction qualifications awarded through apprenticeships, colleges and universities has dropped significantly.
As part of the new relationship Miller Homes will be helping Gateshead College to encourage people of all ages to consider a career in construction by promoting the college’s Construction and Property courses within its new homeowners’ packs across Tyneside developments and attending the college’s careers events.
Existing students will also be able to take advantage of the skills and experience of those who have already carved a career in the industry during exclusive tours of the housebuilder’s developments and guest lectures.
Patrick Arkle, operations director at Miller Homes North East, said: “As an industry we are facing a growing challenge to attract, recruit and train the housebuilders of tomorrow. By working with Gateshead College we want to inspire a generation and show them that there is a long and varied career path in the construction industry.
“Our partnership with Gateshead College cements Miller Homes’ commitment to helping tackle the skills gap and reinforces our Careers Campaign which has been launched nationally to showcase the prospects and range of roles available to young people interested in developing a career in housebuilding.”
Gateshead College’s principal and chief executive Judith Doyle said: “Our priority is to develop work-ready individuals and provide them with an employability edge to meet the needs of North East employers. We aim to help students develop specialist skills, giving them the best chance of employment.
“The partnership between Gateshead College and Miller Homes is a great example of this, signifying another successful programme which is set to encourage careers in construction for local people and provide the best opportunities for students whilst meeting the needs of the local economy.”
The partnership follows the unveiling of a commemorative stone plaque at Miller Homes’ Park View development, which has been relocated from the former Gateshead College building that previously occupied the land prior to the building of the development, which was officially opened in October 2012.
James Platts, partner of residential at Knight Frank says they were delighted to have sold the Gateshead College site to Miller Homes. He said: “This 9.77 acre site attracted a great deal of interest for our client Grainger plc. We were looking for a company which we knew would bring the best out of the site and we are confident that Miller Homes will do just that.”
Dedicated to creating sustainable communities, Miller Homes has developments located across the North East of England including Park View, all of which cater for a wide range of buyers, from those looking to purchase their first home to growing families and downsizers.
With prices starting from £63,960, homebuyers can choose between Park View in Gateshead, The Acres in Bedlington, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, Portland Wynd in Blyth, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, Acklam Woods in Acklam and Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, and also coming soon, Heritage Green opening in early 2016 in Backworth, North Tyneside and Scholars Gate in Shiney Row, Sunderland in summer 2016.
For more information on Miller Homes and its North East developments call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk. For details on Gateshead College and its range of courses visit www.gateshead.ac.uk.