Twenty Leeds 16-24 year olds have successfully completed an innovative new training programme at the Kirkstall Forge Forging Futures Campus and were presented with their Level 1 employability certificate by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Jane Dowson and Leeds Rhinos player Jamie Jones-Buchanan who spoke about setting new goals and achieving your aspirations.

Two courses have run to date; the first during January 18 and the second completed on the 16^th March 2018. Designed to give participants an introduction to construction skills and provide exposure to employment opportunities in a variety of industry sectors, of the first 12 participants, five have already secured employment or apprenticeship interviews with the remainder pursuing pathways to further training and education with Leeds College of Building.

One of those to complete the course was 16 year old Sam Vandenbriele. He said:

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for employment, skills and opportunity said: “We are delighted to hear about the success of the Employability and Construction skills course at Kirkstall Forge.  The development at Kirkstall Forge is a very important scheme in the city and the opportunities for our young people to be engaged on site and learn skills is vital to support their learning and future career.”

The participants attended full time and undertook work placement days at Learning Partnerships, Efficiency North, Leeds College of Building and B38 Projects Ltd.

Jonathan Kenny, Development Director of CEG, said: “The Forging Futures Campus construction courses are unique and help to motivate young people into new employment or education pathways. We hope to see those who are interested in construction back at our Kirkstall Forge development as we continue to build out new phases.”

There will be six two-week programmes, each open to 15 people aged between 16 and 18. The courses will provide successful participants a Level 1 employability certificate, an opportunity to sit their CSCS test, career guidance and mentoring support leading to further training and apprenticeships.

I Consult Ltd is managing the courses in partnership with Inspire & Educate. Ewan Metcalf MD of I Consult Ltd said: “This will be the first step for individuals commencing on their pathway to success whether that be further learning or entering directly in to employment.  We are very excited about the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of local people at the Kirkstall Forge development.”

Following the first two successful courses, a further course will start in mid-April 2018.

For a chance to participate please contact ewan@iconsultyorkshire.co.uk. Please speak to your careers adviser, local One Stop Centre or Job Centre Plus who will be able to assist you with the initial enquiry.

Visit our Skills section for more information on this and other courses at Kirkstall Forge.