Building Futures is a Tees Valley wide initiative seeking to assist unemployed men and women who wish to work within the construction industry. Local businesses are encouraged to take on new trainees as part of the project.
There are three routes into the project, dependent upon the applicant’s age:
For 17-19 year olds who are not yet ready to sit the full apprenticeship entrance test, they can be placed with a company for 15 weeks while receiving a weekly allowance of £70 (subsidised by the project). Trainees will be encouraged to attend college to improve their chances of getting a job.
For 18-24 year olds who are keen to become an apprentice, Building Futures can assist by introducing employers and organising work placements. Trainees are required to sit a national exam, and if successful, Building Futures may be able to offer the company extra funding to help offset the training that apprentices have to undergo.
For people of 18 years+, and who have some experience in the construction industry, there is the Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) option. The trainee would be employed by Hartlepool Borough Council for 39 weeks, receiving a wage slightly above the national minimum and would be based with an employer for four days a week. On the fifth day the trainee would attend a local college to study towards an NVQ3.
There is no cost to the employer with any of the three options. It is hoped that businesses, where possible, will take on a trainee with a view to offering them a job once the initial training is completed.
If you would like to find out more about taking on a trainee as part of the Building Futures project, please call 01429 855890