Yorkshire-based project to get people to ‘Step Up into Construction’

Step Up into Construction, a collaborative project that will seek to tackle the major skills shortage in the construction industry, has been given £1M of funding.

The funding is made up from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme (ESIF) 2014-2020, which has granted £500K. This has been match funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The partnership is made up from a number of leading Yorkshire-based education providers, housing associations, local councils, housing associations, social enterprise groups, careers advisors, training boards and public sector and government departments.

The funding will be used to tackle the skill shortage that threatens to cripple the construction industry through creating relevant work placements, training, further education and employment.

The 12 delivery partners, 10 strategic partners and a host of employers will showcase the careers available in the hope of attracting more people into construction, including those who are currently under-represented.

Figures form the CITB’s annual survey have estimated that the sector requires a further 224,000 workers over the next five years to carry out the work on the huge numbers of infrastructure and housing projects taking place in the UK.

Deputy Principal Derek Whitehead from the project’s lead partner, Leeds College of Building, commented: “ “Step Up Into Construction will be the first port of call for anyone who wants to find out more about the huge range of careers available in the industry.

“We will be able to facilitate valuable work placements, supported by a wide range of employers and help people develop the skills required to embark on a successful career in construction, including those returning to the industry, before helping them to secure employment opportunities.”

Steve Close, Group Chief Executive from delivery partner Together Housing said the campaign will look to enthuse and excite people about taking a career in construction by using “innovative” market strategies. He commented: “Many people are unaware of the sheer variety of jobs and training routes that are currently available and we will address this issue head on.

“Construction really is an area that allows people to develop a career that’s going places and anyone that gets involved with Step Up Into Construction will be investing in the future of the industry and playing a valuable role in addressing the current skills shortage.”

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