Build Salford 2022; Our Trainees’ Journeys to Success
Young people seeking success in the construction field and are now on their way to building their dream careers from the ground up, thanks to a unique traineeship programme.
Build Salford, supported by Apprenticeships at Salford City College, Salford City Council, local construction companies and social housing providers took 14 trainees aged 16 to 24 onto its latest programme. Ten of them have already taken their next steps into the working world with full-time apprenticeships and work with local employers.
The traineeship is a unique programme for 16-24-year-olds seeking the gateway to an apprenticeship with some of the best local construction companies. The programme has a vast array of industry partners wanting to create as many opportunities as possible for young people to kick start their careers in the construction sector.
Councillor Phil Cusack, Executive Support Member for Skills, Work and Business at Salford City Council said: “This programme opens doors for talented young people who might otherwise struggle to get into their dream careers. It gives them an overview of the construction industry, personal support and a chance to work with some of the top employers in the country.
“Everyone involved is incredibly proud of the progress these determined students have made, and we wish them every success.”
Trainees, Build Salford consortium members and many of the construction employers came together at the Business Centre at Apprenticeships at Salford City College headquarters to celebrate this year’s success.
Allan Milne, Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships at Salford City College, led the presentation of awards given to successful individuals with help from an array of outstanding guest speakers.
Allan said: "It was great to see so many employers and partners come together to celebrate the Build Salford 2022 trainees. The determination shown by all of the trainees has been great and they all deserve their chance at developing a great career in the construction sector."
Certificates, Amazon vouchers, a custom toolkit for each trainee, and Build Salford hoodies for members of the consortium were sponsored by The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and presented by James Johnson, CITB Customer Engagement Advisor, Rebecca Parks, Group Principal at Salford City College Group, and Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Salford City Council. Each toolkit is tailored to each trainee's career path to help them get started.
Mr Johnson said: “Build Salford is what a Construction Traineeship should be. The project is a great way to give young Salford residents opportunities in the Construction sector, with a high number of the trainees progressing into full time employment or apprenticeships, which shows the value of the project.
“CITB is proud to support the initiative by advising the employer consortium on grants and funding for construction related training, career progression advice and supplying the trainees with toolkits and workwear for their chosen trades at the end of the programme. I am proud to be involved with such an innovative and inclusive project, which showcases the construction industry and helps to bring in the next generation of construction workers.”
Trainee Lucas Edwards, who has now secured an apprenticeship with Watson Homes after completing Build Salford has made his dreams come true. “‘Before Build Salford I was unemployed, feeling like I had no opportunity of getting my dream job. Doing the traineeship has offered me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of becoming a Bricklayer. I am now feeling very confident about my future.”
For more information on Build Salford and how to get involved in next year’s traineeship, call 0161 631 5555 or email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.