Member Article

Building futures for our veterans

The City of Liverpool College has launched a training programme to support ex-servicemen and women into work in the construction industry at its Construction Hub.

Working in partnership with Veterans in Sefton and Unite the Union, the college has designed a bespoke programme for ex-servicemen and women to enter the city region’s growing construction sector.

The Hub, which is located at Collingwood Dock, part of Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, was launched last year after the college was awarded £500,000 by the Government’s Construction Skills Fund. The Hub was designed to cater to the growing demand faced by Liverpool’s construction industry, providing unemployed adults and young people not in education or training with work ready skills to enter jobs.

As well as supporting those who aren’t in work, the Hub also creates bespoke training programmes for employers looking to upskill their staff or take on new employees with a specific skillset or qualifications.

This programme, supported by a dedicated steering group, will provide ex-servicemen and women with work-ready practical skills as well as employability skills such as interview techniques and site tours to showcase the jobs available to them.

Dave Smith, CEO of Veterans in Sefton, said:

“This programme is all about supporting veterans. We want to develop the right pathways and provide the right help and support for our ex-servicemen and women who are looking to forge viable careers.

“The Construction Hub is a fantastic opportunity to make this a reality. Through the training programme, we’ll work with veterans and their families to ensure they are given the support and opportunities they need to develop their skills and find employment.”

Keith Lewis, Unite ULF Construction Learning Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with The City of Liverpool College to help bridge the gap between demand and supply for skilled workers within the construction industry and to put the necessary steps in place for veterans and others who are interested in working in the industry to find employment.

“This project has huge potential and is incredibly unique, providing fantastic opportunities for both the trainees and employers involved.”

Elaine Bowker, Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be able to work with organisations such as Veterans in Sefton and Unite the Union, to help contribute to the progression of ex-servicemen and women and provide them with real pathways to employment.

The trainees coming through the Hub are skilled, motivated people who would be an asset to employers, and already have many transferrable skills from their time serving in the forces which will be of huge benefit to this programme.

“Our Construction Hub is located at the heart of one of Europe’s largest regeneration and development schemes, so these trainees will have a unique opportunity to be in constant contact with construction employers and receive training tailored to fill the city’s construction skills gap.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The City of Liverpool College .