A CONSTRUCTION academy created to train the next generation of builders has helped 37 young people into employment in the industry.
The statistics were revealed as the purpose-built facility, which simulates a construction site environment, was officially opened by Easington MP Grahame Morris.
The mock site, designed and built by Profound Services, at its Palmer Road site in Peterlee, features a forklift truck training area and a replica building site for learners to develop and hone their skills.
The participants, who are aged 16 to 18 years old, get to use the site as part of a 14-week traineeship programme with a focus on construction, work skills, and health and safety.
The MP was given a tour of the site with Profound staff and learners, who showed them their bricklaying, paving, and brickwork corner skills. 57 students have completed the construction course, out of which 67 per cent found apprenticeships or jobs afterwards, statistics that Mr Morris says are impressive.
He said: “The mock construction site at Profound Services is a tremendous facility and the figures of those succeeding after using it are testament to its quality.
“It’s really important that our young people have access to services like this to get the skills they need to help them into employment.
“I would urge local employers to work with companies like Profound Services who are providing high quality training to young people in the area.”
Managing Director of Profound Services, Steven Ward, said the site is proving so successful that there are plans to roll it out nationally.
He said: “We have huge aspirations for this traineeship programme because there’s a huge skills shortage in this industry, and we are looking to fill that void.
“We have ambitions to build it nationally as well as locally.”
Judith Allen, Profound’s Head of Quality Compliance and HR, said the traineeship is ideal for those not quite ready for an apprenticeship.
“We converted the warehouse into the construction centre around 18 months ago, and the response has been fantastic. It’s perfect for those starting their career in the construction industry, progressing from the traineeship, to an apprenticeship and then employment.”
Learner Jordan Pigford, 17, from Horden, finished school at Easington Academy, and then took up a Construction Traineeship with Profound.
He said: “This traineeship is so good as you get a vital insight into what it’ll be like working on a real construction site. It’s the perfect place to start.
“I’ve enjoyed both parts of the course, the learning and the practical side and I think this will stand me in good stead for my future.”
As well as the hands-on training, learners are also taught skills including writing CVs and cover letters, asbestos awareness, and working at height.
In addition, they are given careers advice, on-site work placements, protective equipment, and some may be eligible for a weekly travel allowance.