Working in partnership with Lofty Heights CIC, a leading regional building contractor has sponsored a construction multi-skills academy course in the Lowestoft region.
Taking place at Inspire Colville House on School Road in Lowestoft, the Barnes Construction Multi Skills Academy Course is now two weeks into its six-week duration, giving young people attending an opportunity to see and experience first-hand the different skilled trades within the industry.
Lofty Heights CIC trades ‘for good’ supporting vulnerable people across Suffolk, Norfolk and beyond, and over the course of this year Barnes Construction has been working alongside the not-for-profit social enterprise on various initiatives to support young people with a NEET (not in education, employment, or training) background. This has included visits to ‘live’ sites in Suffolk, as well as mock interview skills coaching.
‘Vital first steps’
The launch of the Barnes Construction Multi Skills Academy Course is a further step in the relationship with Lofty Heights. It is taking place in Lowestoft as Barnes is currently working on two flagship projects in the town: the transformation of the former Lowestoft Post Office for East Suffolk Council and the regeneration of the Town Hall for Lowestoft Town Council.
As well as visiting the two sites, the young people attending are being introduced to painting and decorating, and are receiving training in plastering, basic woodwork, tiling and working at heights. In addition, they will receive support and help with writing their CVs and their interview technique. On completion, hopefully they will have achieved first aid and working at heights qualifications, together with their CSCS card, a pre-requisite for the UK construction industry, proving a worker has the correct training and qualifications for their job.
Claire Flowers is Education Manager at Lofty Heights and is grateful to Barnes for their support saying, “We’re absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Barnes Construction to offer young people in Lowestoft the opportunity to take part in our multi-skills course. Through this programme, participants can gain valuable qualifications, all which will help them to take those vital first steps into the construction industry. This course simply wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Barnes, who have fully embedded themselves into the delivery by providing careers advice, site visits, mock interviews, and so much more.”
‘Social value at the core of business operations’
Fergus and Kallum are two of the young people taking part in the course. Fergus said: “I have not missed a day since we started. The course has so far been great we have been doing basic carpentry and I have built my first toolbox. Today we have completed our working at height certificates and we are starting to prep ready for plastering which is our next unit. It’s been great to have a local offer which is accessible. It has put some structure and purpose into my day and I have also met some new people as part of this process.”
Kallum added: “I’ve been struggling to find work locally, so when this opportunity to attend a course to gain more skills and qualifications including my CSCS Card presented itself locally in Lowestoft, I jumped at it. I’m really enjoying the practical sessions and I’ve met some good lads.”
Mark Bailey is Divisional Director at Barnes Construction and said, “Social value has been at the core of our business operations since 1978. Our aim is to leave a positive legacy where we have worked – not just through delivering exceptional buildings, but by unlocking long-term value for communities. Hence we see a real value and purpose in what Lofty Heights are doing and that is why we decided to sponsor one of the construction multi-skills academy courses in the Lowestoft region. This initiative is a great way for us to support the communities in which we operate to grow and develop.”
