Member Article

North East construction training partnership aims to tackle skills gaps

A new partnership between Tyne Met College and FIS Skills is aiming to help bridge skills gaps existing in the construction industry.

FIS Skills’ ‘BuildBack’ training programme, delivered in the region at the college’s specialist construction campus, offers job opportunities for local individuals with employer partners primed and ready to provide work placements and exciting lifelong careers.

Leading factors facing future industry growth include post-Brexit trade conditions, a lack of new entrants to the industry and an ageing workforce profile across the construction sector.

In a recent survey of FIS members (March 2017), 90% of respondents state that their operations are hindered by a lack of skilled trade operatives and almost half claim that they are facing increased labour demands.

FIS says the heart of its programme focuses on careers and opportunities, a mission which aims to attract 1,500 skilled new entrants every year by 2020.

Helen Yeulet, Director, FIS Skills, said: “We have worked closely with partners including TMC, Job Centre Plus, the DWP and numerous employers to create this innovative pilot scheme. Since its launch in March 2017, we are now progressing our second cohort of trainees through their two week training programme and subsequent work placements.

“Bringing expertise together in a joined up way has led to an influx of interest from candidates to our oversubscribed training programmes.

“We’re fully committed to helping these enthusiastic individuals to fulfil their potential and get them into jobs and earning money as quickly as possible.”

Alyn Carr, Deputy Head of Construction, TMC, added: “TyneMet realises that partnerships are key to the development of relevant training programmes to provide a timely and appropriate response to employers’ needs.”

“To be recognised by FIS Skills as a trusted, expert dry lining training provider marks our determination, passion and forward thinking business ethos to equip our locality with the latest skills and qualifications.”