A major housebuilder is tackling the construction skills shortage by training the next generation of talent.
Keepmoat is delivering a programme of careers events and practical skills workshops across the North East, engaging more than 900 young people through its Newcastle-based social value team.
A key part of this effort is the National House Building Council (NHBC) Training Hub at The Rise development in Scotswood, which offers hands-on learning and real-world site experience.
Geoff Scott, social value manager at Keepmoat North East, said: "At Keepmoat, we’re proud to support the next generation of young talent across the North East in preparing for long-term career opportunities they’re passionate about.
"We also understand the construction industry faces a skills shortage, which is why it's so important that we empower students early and help them understand the breadth of opportunities available."
A new cohort of bricklaying apprentices recently began their careers with an intensive block of training at the hub, covering the fundamentals of bricklaying, health and safety and the process of obtaining Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.
The training hub has also welcomed groundwork apprentices from Wearmouth Construction and Applebridge, who visited The Rise development to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their vocation.
Keepmoat has also worked alongside NHBC to connect prospective apprentices and members of the local community with employers through recruitment events at the training hub.
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Darryl Stewart, head of commercial services at NHBC, said: "We’re committed to helping the home-building industry bridge the skills gap and believe strongly in working in partnership with developers to deliver training.
"The UK faces a housing crisis, and it’s essential we build more quality homes at pace – that’s why we’re investing £100 million to train up to 3,000 new apprentices every year and are creating 12 new multi-skill training hubs across the UK.
"The NHBC Training Hub at The Rise development in Scotswood is an effective, collaborative partnership with Keepmoat designed to immerse apprentices in a realistic working environment.
"This initiative is equipping the next generation of skilled site workers with hands-on experience to meet the growing demand in the home-building industry."