Under Construction is launched

04 July 2014

An initiative created to give locally-qualified jobseekers a start in the building industry has successfully been launched, with the first cohort today (Friday 4 July) completing their training.

The Under Construction Training Programme is a joint initiative by the Jersey Construction Council (JeCC) and Back to Work. With training provided by Camerons and other industry trainers, it has been established with the objective of training more than 200 jobseekers who want to build a new career in the industry.

The first cohort today (Friday 4 July) completed their training at the newly-established training building site after two weeks spent learning the skills and protocols needed to find employment in the industry. They will spend the next fortnight in work experience while a new cohort starts at the training building site next Monday.

A route back into employment

The Minister for Social Security, Senator Francis Le Gresley, said “These cohorts are the first of many for whom training will mean a positive new direction and route back into employment. We know that over the next 18 months the demand will increase for staff with construction skills, and the Under Construction Training Programme will help locally-qualified people to meet that demand.”

In line with construction industry standards, a typical training day runs from 8am to 4:30pm. Classroom-based training includes an introduction to health and safety and the trainees also practice basic hands-on skills in fields such as carpentry, groundwork, concrete mixing and blocklaying.

Industry-recognised qualification

Having successfully completed the course, trainees are today being awarded an industry-recognised qualification by the JeCC.

Marc Burton, chairman of the JeCC’s Education and Training Sub-Committee said “The training building site operates exactly like ‘real’ sites, and the recruits will be expected to follow industry standards for safety and operation procedures. By the time the recruits get into work they will be used to the essential skills needed for health and safety on site.

“Several major construction projects will start in the next 18 months, and we are working closely with Back to Work to ensure that we seize every possible opportunity to recruit locally-qualified jobseekers. We are ensuring that Under Construction results in a meaningful accreditation, which will ensure that our members have the confidence that the jobseekers are properly prepared for work in our industry.”