Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) is hosting a collaborative event with the School of Construction and Built Environment at Hartlepool College, to drive employment prospects for young trades people.
The event, on June 6, will bring together NCBF members and the wider North East construction community, to meet students that have been learning their trade and are now looking for placement.
The event aims to attract a range of SMEs operating within different areas of the construction sector, with students having undertaken courses in areas such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, construction technical and professional.
The School of Construction has a long-standing relationship with NCBF, having hosted a design and build event, led by Angela Carney, vice chair, NCBF. Most recently, Angela, who is managing director at Carney Consultancy and director, Carney CDM, helped to organise a Future Female Leaders course at the college. Hosted in collaboration with the regional branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and partly sponsored by NCBF, which also donated branded hoodies, the course encouraged more female students into the construction industry.
NCBF’s collaboration with Hartlepool College is the start of the organisation’s ambitious plans to work with colleges throughout the North East, to highlight the importance of young people in the trades in front of prospective employees.
Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) is a long-established trade association bringing together construction companies and contractors operating in the North East of England. As a membership organisation, it is proactive in raising the profile of its regional members, supporting training and apprenticeships and helping to future-proof the North East construction industry.
Tony Kay, president, NCBF, said: “The construction industry is facing a worrying skills-gap and it is essential we connect with colleges to promote the opportunities available to young people. The event is a great way to showcase the North East construction sector and to create a clear path of communication between young people looking to enter the trade and potential employers.
“Whilst the skills-gap we are facing is tremendously worrying for employers, it means that young people can enter the workplace, learn their trade and accelerate their career progression at a rate that isn’t available in many other sectors. We must get this message across to students, parents and caregivers, who may not be aware of the fantastic opportunities for young people.
“Organisations, education bodies and employers need to come together to change the outdated perception of the construction industry and portray it for what it really is, one that nurtures and champions young people.
“I am confident many SMEs will attend, the opportunity to connect with the future leaders of North East construction and, potentially, their own workforce, is one not to miss.”
John Cartwright, head of school, School of Construction and Built Environment, Hartlepool College, said: “This is a great opportunity for students to impress potential employers and learn all about the career opportunities available to them.
“The college is committed to providing our students with the best possible support and guidance to help them become successful in their chosen field and what better way to do this than face-to face sessions with potential employers.
“As an education provider, it is our aim not just to teach but to help young people realise their potential and to help shape the future leaders of North East construction.
“I look forward to welcoming the employers and the region’s wider construction community and I am certain they will be very impressed with the calibre of our students.”
To book for the event, please contact: angela@carneyconsultancy.co.uk