Plans for a construction skills village in Hambleton have been agreed.
Members of the district council’s cabinet have committed £125,000 towards developing this ground-breaking project, which will combine training, practical experience and offer a range of courses and apprenticeships.
With a recognised shortage of skilled trades in Hambleton, and a lack of training available locally, the Skills Village aims to tackle these gaps head on, and offer training in building, bricklaying, plastering and allied trades.
The Construction Skills Village model has been used successfully in Scarborough, which is providing site-ready certified apprentices to housing developers in its area.
Hambleton councillors are looking to follow the same model, working with local partners to deliver high quality accredited training, combined with practical experience here in the district.
“This is a very exciting project for Hambleton – presenting a new opportunity for both young people and individuals wishing to retrain for skilled, well paid jobs and retaining them in the district,” said Councillor Peter Wilkinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic development and finance.
“It supports the council’s priority of driving economic vitality, specifically creating opportunities for young people to develop in-demand employment skills and contribute to reducing the skill gap in the construction sector.
“We will be working with housing developers, builders and education partners, and several have already expressed support for the project.”
The £125,000 set aside for the scheme from the council’s economic development fund will cover start-up costs and a co-ordinator for the first 12 months.
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