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apprenticeship scheme aims to build bright futures
30 March 2006
Young people from Bradford’s inner city communities are being given the opportunity to build new careers as part of BCHT’s multi million pound improvements programme.
Eighteen trainees, including two females, are currently learning different building skills under a construction apprenticeship scheme led by Accent Community Partnership (ACP), based at Barkerend Training Centre.
As part of their training they are gaining on-site skills working for one of BCHT’s main construction partners – Bullock, Lovell and Wates – who are carrying improvements to thousands of homes and neighbourhoods.
And one day a week they attend Bradford College to work towards an NVQ II qualification in Maintenance Operations.
Over their two-year apprenticeship, the training will cover bricklaying, joinery, plumbing and other construction skills.
The apprenticeship scheme is being supported by the Construction Industry Training Board – ConstructionSkills (CITB) as part of their UK-wide drive to encourage more young people, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, to take up careers in the building trade.
ACP is now working closely with Bradford Community Housing Trust and its construction partners to recruit more young people into new apprenticeships starting in September 2006.
BCHT is investing over £175 million in improving over 24,000 homes around the district for the benefit of local tenants.
Nawaz Khan, Operations Manager for Accent Community Partnership said: “Bradford Community Housing Trust is involved in a massive modernisation programme which has created ideal training and employment opportunities for these young people and future apprentices over the next two or three years.
“We are delighted that local employers have given young people from Bradford’s inner city communities access to exciting new careers in the local construction market. Anyone who is interested in joining our apprenticeship scheme should ring 01274 303250.”
Les Thorpe, Head of Investment and Regeneration at BCHT said: “We are working closely with our construction partners to encourage them to employ people from across local communities and we are delighted to link up with the Accent Community Partnership on this scheme.
“These young people are gaining valuable skills as part of their apprenticeship leading to accredited qualifications. They are also playing an important part in improving local homes and contributing to the wider regeneration of the district.
“BCHT is committed to providing employment and training opportunities for young people through both our contractors and our in-house repairs operation run by Bradford Building Services.”
Bradford Building Services currently employs over 35 trade apprentices and will be recruiting more young people in 2006.