An information evening, aimed at students, parents and guardians, will demonstrate how these routes can lead to industry-recognised qualifications and valuable practical skills.
The event, at County Hall in Durham on November 26, is collaboration between the Construction Industry Training Board, the National Careers Service in the North East, and Durham County Council.
The evening, to which Year 11 and post 16 learners interested in construction careers are being invited, will highlight that the construction industry in the North East is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in the next four years, creating a total of more than 14,000 jobs.
The event will include talks from CITB, which will provide an overview of the many opportunities and progression routes available to young people within the sector and industry representatives who will talk about opportunities within their organisations and what it is like to work in the construction industry
The event will allow young people and their parents to meet a range of local construction employers including Barratt Homes, Esh, Hodgson Sayers, Wates Group, livin Homes and Keepmoat to find out about opportunities for young people within their organisations.
Local apprentices will be on hand to provide an insight into what it is like to work and learn within the construction sector.
Carly Hinds, Partnership Manager in the North East for the National Careers Service, said: “The evening will help individuals learn about the knowledge and skills needed by construction businesses in the area and how young people can take advantage of the range of opportunities the sector offers”.
“Thousands of jobs will be available in the construction sector in the next four years and it is essential we inspire a future generation of potential employees to keep pace with the emerging employment opportunities.”
Leanne Land, CITB Delivery Manager, said: “We are encouraging parents and guardians to come along too as research suggest they are the most likely influencers on young people’s career decisions.
“Therefore, they need to be armed with the most up-to-date information about current opportunities and which trades and professional occupations will be most in demand by the construction sector in the future.”
Pam Brew, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Coordinator for Durham County Council, said: “Young people need to be aware of the wide range of jobs in the Construction Industry at all levels. They may already know a little about trades such as bricklaying and joinery but there are many other roles, particularly higher level opportunities which may be less familiar, meeting construction employers and current apprentices could inspire them to choose to work in the sector.
“Schools are responsible for providing inspirational careers activities for their students and we wanted the event that would support them in this, but also help parents learn more about the opportunities too.”
The event is free to attend and will be held on Thursday November 26 at Durham County Hall. Durham DH1 5UQ from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve a place e-mailNEApprenticeships@citb.co.uk or text Leanne on 07796995079 by Tuesday November 24.