The construction sector in Dartford and Gravesham is thriving currently and employers need people with the right skills.
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation have therefore partnered with the Prince’s Trust to deliver their ‘Get Started with Construction’ programme to give local young people the skills employers need right now.
Aimed at assisting young people from 16-to-30 years, who are not in education, employment or training, into work and careers in the built environment, Get Started with Construction comprises a 4-day programme of training including soft skills and employability, Working at Heights, Asbestos Awareness and Level 1 Health and Safety.
Candidates who successfully complete the programme will then be supported through their CSCS card exam and helped with finding employment or further training. The Prince’s Trust then offer further support for up to 6 months after completion of the course.
Lara Pool, Skills Coordinator, at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said: ““Ebbsfleet Garden City provides a wealth of career opportunities in the built environment from both aspiring and experienced trades personnel, to Site Managers, Architects and Town Planners.
“We want to inspire young people in our local communities to follow career paths in construction so that the economic growth of the Garden City is realised locally, particularly across Dartford and Gravesham Boroughs. By partnering with the Prince’s Trust, we aim to create awareness and skills that will enable young people to enter this rapidly growing sector and progress into a long-term career.”
The training is delivered by Engie and the Prince’s Trust, plus Hays Recruitment and Countryside Properties will be discussing what it’s like to work in the construction sector and what employers expect.
Andrew Usher, Managing Director, South London and Thames Gateway, Countryside, said: “At Countryside we are passionate about inspiring the next generation into the construction industry, which offers such rewarding career opportunities.
“With a number of long-term developments in the area under construction for the next 12 years and more, we are keen for young people who live locally join our business, whether that’s through apprenticeships, our graduate scheme or other routes. Construction is a fast-paced, diverse and interesting area of work and we are a proud partner of the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Started in Construction’ programme.”
The training programme is being held at Ebbsfleet Football Club from Monday 1st to Thursday 4th November, with the application and pre-selection process open now.
The programme is free to candidates via funding from Ebbsfleet Development Corporation.
Leanne Zahra, Operations Manager at the Prince’s Trust, Kent & Medway, said: ”The Prince’s Trust is a youth charity that helps young people aged 11-30 get into jobs, education, and training. We believe that every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting opportunities. So, we provide young people with the tools and confidence to try free courses and start careers.
“Our Get Started with Construction programme in Kent was created to provide young people aged 16-30 with the insight, knowledge, and confidence to be one step closer to the employment within the build industry.
“The Prince’s Trust has partnered with Ebbsfleet Garden City and ENGIE in North Kent to help more young people have the right training, advice, and guidance to gain employment in the built environment. The construction sector in Gravesham and Dartford is booming and we hope to help more young people gain careers and be passionate about the sector within their local community.”
Those interested or those who can refer suitable young people onto the inspiring programme, should contact Sarah Davies at the Prince’s Trust sarah.davies@princes-trust.org.uk 07976 985515