Housing Minister appeals for young people to consider a career in construction

The Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has appealed for young people to consider taking up careers in the construction industry saying it represented a “great opportunity to carve out a successful and well-paid career.”

Mr Lewis made the call while visiting an open day at the Hodgkinson Brickwork Academy at Derby College ahead of its official launch next week.

The academy has been set up in partnership with Derby College and will be run at campuses in Ilkeston and the Roundhouse in Pride Park. It has already seen high demand with over 100 potential recruits attending an open day in June.

Individual support and mentoring will be given to students at the academy from Mr Hodgkinson and his team. They will gain practical work experience and will be guaranteed an interview with his company following completion of the one or two year courses.

The Minister said: “For the last five years, our efforts have got Britain building. This means thousands of jobs are now up for grabs – roles that offer a great opportunity to build a successful and well-paid career.

The Hodgkinson Brickwork Academy is a fantastic example of how a new generation of talented, ambitious, highly skilled bricklayers can be inspired and developed – nurturing our home-grown talent and building the homes we need for years to come.”

Ian Hodgkinson Managing Director of Hodgkinson Builders, feels that the construction industry is “crucial” to the success of the UK’s economy. He said: “I am absolutely delighted that the minister has taken the time to visit us and to see what we are doing here.

“We’ve got ambitious young people seeing that a career in bricklaying and construction in general is full of rewards and it is fantastic to be working with such a forward-thinking organisation as Derby College on this academy.

“Together we can get Britain building again and start with the ambitious young men and women who can forge a fantastic career.”

The government has made a commitment to increase the number of apprentices across the construction industry. In 2014, more than 15,500 new construction apprenticeships started – a 14% increase on the previous year.

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