The fully-funded one-day course is open to people over 16 and offers a foundation level qualification encompassing asbestos awareness, manual handling, workplace health & safety and working at heights.
Participants can also take advantage of a guaranteed job interview with a local employer including Woodmace and First4Building and many more.
Charitable Housing Association BCHA provides learning and training opportunities for hundreds of people each year, supporting people into employment, volunteering and further education.
The construction initiative is part of BCHA’s The Way Forward programme, which was set up in March 2021 to offer support, coaching and skills to people impacted financially by the Covid pandemic.
BCHA project manager, Val Jefferies explained: “The pandemic has caused huge financial hardship for many people, particularly those who have lost their jobs prior to, or as a result of it.
“But we have found that many people coming to The Way Forward for help in getting back into work have transferrable skills which can enable them to make fast and effective in-roads into other careers, including construction.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with First4Training to offer an excellent grounding in basic construction and to be playing a part in helping the local economy, particularly the construction industry which is currently facing serious recruitment problems.”
First4Training offers over 200 e-learning courses and practical training at its newly-opened centre in Willis Way, Poole.
Director, Jack Warren said: “We are delighted to team up with BCHA for this great initiative.
“The Way Forward project caught our eye last year, as upskilling unemployed people is something we are also passionate about.
“Together with BCHA we will provide a holistic approach to financial fitness by educating, training and providing the support that people need to retrain and re-enter the workplace.”
The one-day construction course can be taken online at BCHA’s The Factory in Alder Hills, Poole or at First4Training.
The project coincides with BCP Council’s newly-agreed vision to create a world class city region in the coming five year. The Big Plan will be funded by the council’s £50m Futures Fund and a proposed £3bn of outside investment and will regenerate city spaces and deliver 15,000 new homes and 13,000 new jobs.
Val Jefferies added: “There are many exciting plans in the pipeline for BCP and we intend to help produce a ready workforce which will help make those plans a reality, starting right now.
“We would like to hear from construction businesses and building maintenance companies in the area looking to interview site-ready ground workers, labourers, and builders’ mates.
“We can provide motivated, trained, candidates free of charge, with zero recruitment costs.”
For more information please contact Jack Warren at First4Training on 01202 113584 or email jack@first4building.co.uk
Media information: Debbie Granville on 07884 657782 or email Debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk
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