Knowsley announces centre to teach young people construction skills

A new skills centre is set to open after the summer in Stockbridge, offering local young people who struggle with school the chance to gain construction qualifications and hands on experience.

The scheme will see ForHousing’s landlord partner with local schools and colleges to offer students at key stage 4 construction qualifications.

The former ForHousing office will be turned into the skills centre, offering courses including bricklaying, tiling and joinery from September.

Cllr Margaret Harvey, cabinet member for children’s services, said: ‘We want to ensure our children and young people have access to a range of support that will help them to start out on their career path. The Skills Centre is a very welcome addition to Knowsley, providing our young people with the chance to gain valuable experience and qualifications in the construction trade which will ultimately help them to secure future employment too.’

The plans for a new centre follow on from the success of ForHousing’s existing site in Salford, which ran more than 550 construction classes for pupils last year and led to 27 students qualifying and 59% moving into education, employment or training.

A past student, who now mentors others alongside completing an electrical apprenticeship, said: ‘In my opinion it’s the best thing for kids like me who had trouble with school because it’s designed just for us and helps us develop in all sorts of skills such as brickwork, tiling, joinery and more.

‘But there’s more to it than that. The people at the Skills Centre are the reason I have a job today and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have been given.’

ForHousing’s School Links programme is just one of the initiatives offered through its Bright Futures scheme, which provides employment and training opportunities.

In the past year, Bright Futures has helped 24 people get into work or secure an apprenticeship, provided 26 work experience opportunities, supported 44 people to gain qualifications, and helped 18 new businesses launch.

In related news, a new youth employment hub is open to Brighton & Hove residents under the age of 25, to support them in reaching education, employment, and training goals.

Photo by Ümit Yıldırım