The Liverpool City Region’s first Occupational Traineeships in Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery and Painting and Decorating have been launched by Hugh Baird College in Bootle.
Currently, only 41% of Further Education (FE) construction learners join the industry in apprenticeships or jobs. The new Occupational Traineeships will provide a bridge between FE and employment, helping more learners move into the construction industry. It will also enable more young people to fast-track their careers, with many able to potentially complete fast-track apprenticeships.
Lynn Masterton, Assistant Principal at Hugh Baird College, said:
“These new Occupational Traineeships have been designed to benefit those who have previously gained a Level 1 or 2 at a college and have not yet entered the construction industry. The Traineeships will provide them with an opportunity to prepare themselves for the world of work and to have a prosperous career.”
Over two-thirds of trainees get a job, take up an apprenticeship or go on to further study after completing a traineeship. This new approach to traineeships aims to achieve even better results, and it could provide participants with the stepping-stone to landing a prosperous career.
The Occupational Traineeships in Brickwork, Carpentry and Joinery and Painting and Decorating are for those aged 16-24 years or 25 years with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and who have a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification in one of the three subjects.
They last for twelve weeks with eight weeks’ work experience with a local employer, four weeks of hands-on practical learning at Hugh Baird College and maths and English support where required. Funding for travel expenses is available, and those who complete the Occupational Traineeship are guaranteed an interview for an apprenticeship with the employer.
Lynn continued:
“Construction employers across the Liverpool City Region have told us they have a skills shortage of Bricklayers, Carpenters and Painters. The current construction workforce is smaller than predicted future demand with an ageing cohort of workers at professional and trades level which risks widening the skills gaps in the years to come.”
“It is our intention that these new Occupational Traineeships will help provide access to a new talent pipeline for the workforce they need today and in the future.”
The first cohort of Occupational Traineeship learners at Hugh Baird College will start this summer, with registrations of interest now open.