Yorkshire based contractor BAM uses local scheme to help 1,500 Yorkshire people
Hemel Hempstead, 6 May 2016 - Thirty new apprenticeships created, 93 new jobs, 98 work placements and 66 sub-contractors gaining NVQs … all successes of a Yorkshire firm’s National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) programme, using its projects including Leeds UTC to benefit sub-contractors and the local community.
Leeds-based BAM Construction used its sites across Leeds and Yorkshire to generate new skills and offer life chances. New state-of-the-art buildings such as the new Leeds UTC, Bradford College, Huddersfield Leisure Centre, York Engineering Triangle, Bridlington Leisure World, and Sheffield’s Don Valley Hub will be used by local residents for years to come.
Through the delivery of Leeds UTC and Ruth Gorse Academy, BAM and worked with Leeds College of Building and Leeds City College to offer their students opportunities. For example the photography students from City College have used the UTC site as part of their ‘transform’ project.
Carol Shaw, BAM’s Education and Community Co-ordinator, has been the driving force behind the initiative. The programme has also helped young people experience the construction industry first-hand through work experience, site visits and careers activities. A range of local partners have supported these initiatives, for example sub-contractors, Futureworks, City Training, Bradford College, The Ahead Partnership, Leeds College of Building and Leeds City College.
BAM was awarded the prestigious National Skills Academy for Construction status in March 2013. Funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) enabled a full-time Project Skills Co-ordinator to identify and enable real jobs and training to take place across the company’s sites. BAM’s programme was one of only a handful that achieved 100% of the KPIs set and audited by CITB.
Figures from the CITB reveal that there will be 8,000 new jobs in construction in Yorkshire and Humber over the next five years – with the industry employing over 200,000 people. BAM hopes that through this initiative they have positively influenced the career choices of the next generation.
Catherine Bullough CITB NSAfC Programme Manager said: ‘CITB are delighted to have supported the BAM Skills Academy.The project has delivered real opportunities for the people of the Yorkshire; yet another great example of where the construction industry leads the way in delivering employment and skills solutions across the UK.’