Work has begun on a new construction centre in north Hull which hopes to create more opportunities for young people joining the sector.
The Humber Construction Hub, led by apprentices provider EN:Able Futures, hopes to address the industry’s skills shortage, and help nurture the next generation of talent.
Funding for the new centre, in Wawne Road, Hull, was secured in February, and ground was broken on the site last week.
The new hub is expected to be opened in September this year.
Lee Parkinson, chief executive at Efficiency North, said: “I’m really pleased to witness the start of the development of the Humber Construction Hub facility.
“It’s an innovative project that will give local people from the Humber a taste of what working on a real construction site is like, and the key skills they will need to pursue successful careers in an industry that is crying out for skilled workers.”
The new hub has been funded through the CITB’s (Construction Industry Training Board) Skills Fund.
The fund, a £22m government initiative, will set up 26 construction training centres across the country, as it looks to address the worrying UK skills shortage.
The lead contractor developing the site is Excel Modular Buildings, a family-run business which will provide anti-vandalism modular buildings for use as offices and canteens.
Dennis Waller, managing director at Excel, said: “We are delighted to be working on a project that is all about getting local people in the area ready to work in construction.”
Once completed, The Humber Construction Hub will operate for ten years and provide on-site training to support people in Hull and the Humber who want to join the industry, particularly adult learners and the long-term unemployed.
East Yorkshire family business M.B.Roche & Sons has also been sub-contracted to provide the groundwork infrastructure for the hub.
Daniel Roche, director of M.B.Roche & Sons, said: “It’s great being involved in a project like this because it gives our apprentices, who are all local people, including ex-offenders and ex-military personal, invaluable hands on experience of groundworks like drainage and concreting.”
Businesses are now being asked for donations to support the hub, including tools, materials and equipment which can be used in classes.
Items currently on the hub’s wish list include two shipping containers/cabins to be used for painting, decorating and plastering classes, PPE, and a cement mixer.
If your business would like to get involved, please contact Nigel Hollington, hub site manager, on 07884 589151.
