Keighley College is running the six-week Introduction to Construction programme early next year.
The part-time course – which begins on Monday, January 5 – will combine practical training with classroom learning, along with guidance on producing effective CVs.
Topics covered will include site procedures, basic tools and maintenance, health and safety procedures, teamwork and onsite communication.
The course is open to anyone aged 19 and over who is currently unemployed.
Keighley College principal, Kevin O’Hare, says such initiatives could help the Government achieve its housebuilding targets – while getting more people into employment.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that there are currently more than two million people working in construction across the country.
But skills shortages are causing delays to some housing and infrastructure projects, with one report citing there are around 140,000 unfilled vacancies.
At the same time, the number of people aged 16 to 24 not in employment, education, or training has risen to 946,000.
Mr O’Hare says: “Construction is a hugely important sector and also one of our biggest employers, both in the Keighley district and nationally, which is why as a college we do so much to support it.
“But the industry is facing serious workforce challenges. The Government has pledged to deliver 1.5 million new homes in England by the end of its term, in 2029; to do so it will need many more people, with the required skills, to get involved.
“We already run full-time courses, plus apprenticeships, in everything from plumbing and bricklaying to electrical installation, joinery and carpentry.
“Supported introductory courses like this new one, however, offer something fresh – a first step towards a job in the industry for adults who are looking to learn a trade. Participants will also learn employability tips to help them land those jobs.
“We hope lots of people will sign up and reap the benefits.”
Mr O’Hare adds: “We have this national problem with the number of young people who are not in work, education or training, all needing help, while our construction industry is crying out for more workers.
“It makes sense to link the two together to provide solutions, and that’s what courses like this one are helping to facilitate.”
For more details and to apply, go to keighleycollege.ac.uk/courses/introduction-to-construction
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