Successful £1m bid will build construction talent

A partnership that aims to address the major skills shortages in the construction industry has been granted £1m funding.
Leeds College of Building apprentices L-R Sam Pickles, Chris Powell, Michael Simmen, Adam DanbyLeeds College of Building apprentices L-R Sam Pickles, Chris Powell, Michael Simmen, Adam Danby
Leeds College of Building apprentices L-R Sam Pickles, Chris Powell, Michael Simmen, Adam Danby

Step Up Into Construction, led by Leeds College of Building, has been granted £500,000 from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme and match funded by the Construction Industry Training Board.

The project brings together a number of Yorkshire education providers, local councils, housing associations, social enterprise groups, careers advisors, training boards and public sector and government departments.

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It will use the money to address the chronic need for more skilled workers by engaging with hundreds of people to deliver relevant work placements, training, further education and employment.

According to the CITB’s annual construction survey, the industry needs an extra 224,000 workers over the next five years.

Deputy principal Derek Whitehead from Leeds College of Building, said: “Step Up Into Construction will be the first port of call for anyone who wants to find out more about the huge range of careers available in the industry. We will be able to facilitate valuable work placements.”

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