Member Article

Brick by brick, building success!

A Barnsley based brick business is building success, tackling the construction skills shortage head on.

Barnsley Brickwork has created over 100 training opportunities and six jobs for local people over the last year. Testament to its commitment to training and employment, it has been awarded sub-contractor of the quarter, by Sheffield Housing Company (SHC).

Established in 2005 Barnsley Brickwork employs over 100 staff and works alongside a number of the UK’s leading housebuilders.

As part of its scope of works, Barnsley Brickwork is working across all of Sheffield Housing Company’s projects throughout the city.

Recruited as a brick layer with Barnsley Brickwork, 17 year old Caiden Smith is working on SHC’s 275 housing development at Manor Top, Sheffield. He said: “I really enjoy coming to work every day, the variety of work and being able to see a house take shape.”

Caiden is part of the Building Blocks Initiative. The scheme – run by Sheffield City Council and funded by central government and the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) - specialises in helping out of work young people onto a pathway towards employment in the construction industry.

Headed by Matthew Hunter program mentor and Owner Director at Barnsley Brickwork, the scheme provides help and guidance to the candidates as well as empowering them with industry contacts; vital for networking and connecting with firms looking to fill the skill shortage within the construction industry.

Matthew said: “It is rewarding to have been recognised by SHC for our commitment to providing local people with new skills, job and training opportunities. The Building Block Initiative is helping to open the door to individuals like Caiden, who might not have previously considered a career in construction. As well as trade proficiencies, it is equipping people with valuable life and employment skills.”

SHC is committed to supporting organisations, communities and individuals within the city. To date working with its partnering organisations it has delivered 500 local jobs, 50 apprenticeships and over 200 work placements.

John Clephan Project Director for SHC added: “Barnsley Brickwork is a shining example of a business that is investing in its locality to offer opportunities for individuals to up skill, train and gain employment.”

SHC is Sheffield City Council’s joint venture development company, established with private sector construction partner Keepmoat Homes and Great Places Housing Group. Its goal is to improve the quality and choice of housing across the city, while creating jobs, encouraging investment and supporting the communities in which it works.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .