JOBSEEKERS in Thurrock have been given a huge boost after securing a place with Wates Living Space on its award-winning ‘Building Futures’ programme; a national scheme designed to help those interested in the field of construction build upon their skills and improve their prospects of employment within the sector.
The affordable housing contractor is currently working in partnership with Thurrock Council to deliver the £68m Transforming Homes project. The Building Futures scheme will help to ensure that local people have access to the raft of training and employment opportunities that are being created as a result of Wates’ presence here.
The two-week training scheme, which began on 1st September saw ten local participants gain a deeper understanding of the construction sector, as well as a variety of qualifications and practical skills in a live setting, including carpentry, tiling and plumbing.
Improved access to local employment opportunities is also available for candidates, all of whom will be presented with the chance of an interview with either Wates or one of its supply chain partners at the end of the programme.
Candidate Ryan Cosans, aged 19, comments: “The programme has given me a new sense of direction; I hadn’t really considered working in the construction industry before, having previously worked as a barman. I was unemployed when I heard about the scheme through the Job Centre and thought I would give it a try. I have really enjoyed the past two weeks and am now set on pursuing a career as a plumber.”
An awards ceremony was held on 12th September to mark the participants’ successful completion of the programme. Andy Hobart, managing director of Wates Living Space, who attended the event commented: “At Wates, we see ourselves as much more than a contractor. We look to boost local economies through the creation of employment and training opportunities and it is vital that we do all we can to make them accessible.
“Building Futures helps us to do just that; it has been a pleasure to see the genuine enthusiasm it has met and the ambition it has sparked amongst the candidates in Thurrock. The group has shown real promise and I wish them luck as they embark upon the next steps towards employment and begin to meet potential employers.”
Barbara Brownlee, Thurrock Council’s director of housing, said: “The council works very closely with it’s contractors asking that they give ‘added value’ for the privilege of working with us.
“Wates are a superb example who have taken up our challenges and this scheme is a perfect example of the partnership we have – local people benefiting by learning new skills and receiving new qualifications.
“It’s great for the Thurrock community and it’s great for the contractors who have a pool of new and trained workers to choose from.”
