7,000 hires from pioneering construction training programme

Blackpool's construction training centre for the unemployed has celebrated securing its 7,000th job.

The award-winning Build Up - part of Blackpool and The Fylde College - provides intensive courses for people interested in working across the construction trades.

Jay Gaffney is the latest success story, after he gained Build Up's 7,000th job - with Shard Surfacing in Fleetwood.

Jay said: “I spent five weeks with Build Up to learn new construction skills and gain my CSCS card.

“I got experience in brickwork, plastering, tiling, dry wall lining, groundwork and block paving, and made a lot of new friends.

“Teamwork has been a really big part of the Build Up experience, which has given me an opportunity to go into work with Shard Surfacing.

“Eventually I would like the opportunity to work all over the world.

“Thank you to all staff at Build Up who have helped and supported me in my learning journey.”

Build Up is an award-winning training centre on Kincraig Road in Bispham that's operated in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and construction companies.

The centre also helps local contractors and tradesmen obtain the CSCS trade certification.

Build Up manager Roberta Austin said: "Helping 7,000 learners into work has been hard work for all the team.

"It has taken us 12 years to get here - and we'll continue to work with all contractors and agencies to secure more jobs for deserving local people."

Learners join the Build Up programme following a referral from job centres across the Fylde coast and from employability and coaching programmes.

They need to be over 19, in receipt of benefits and wanting to work in the construction industry.

Each learner undertakes five weeks of training as a general construction operative, obtaining a CSCS card and a certificate in Health and Safety.

The course includes an introduction to working in construction and leads to Level 1 qualifications in a range of practical skills including groundwork, brickwork, painting and decorating, and plastering and tiling, along with training to improve a learner’s employment prospects.

For further information about the Build Up programme:

Visit www.blackpool.ac.uk/buildup. Call 01253 504680. Email [email protected].