Merseyside training academy launched to tackle construction skills shortage
A trio of businesses have partnered with a Merseyside college to launch a plastering training academy based in Knowsley.
Keepmoat is working with Sterling Plastering and Hugh Baird College to launch a bespoke training academy that will support young people into plastering apprenticeships, bolstering its commitment to bridge the nationwide construction skills gap.
It’s anticipated that 225,000 new construction workers are needed by 2027 in the UK, and this week the Government also announced that 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places will be made available every year through DoE funding.
The launch of the new facility, now named the SPL Change Academy, was recognised by an event attended by all the partnering businesses and current training apprentices in a celebration of the new training format.
Deputy Leader of Knowsley Council Councillor Tony Brennan, officially opened the academy today (Thursday 28th November) at the launch event.
Jeff Murphy, Managing Director at Sterling Plastering comments: “The lack of skilled labourers in the plastering trade doesn’t meet with industry demand and we’re continually dealing with a significant skills shortfall. We also experienced that some of the qualified plasterers weren’t site ready, so even after completing their college course we would have to undertake significant training with our new recruits.”
Chris Cox, Managing Director at Sterling Plastering adds: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with like-minded and local businesses to create our newly built 6,000 square foot warehouse-style unit to upskill young people across Merseyside to help guide future professionals in the trade.”
The construction industry is also facing an ageing workforce, with the average age of a plasterer being 42-years-old, it’s imperative young people are entering the trade to prevent further workforce challenges.
The SPL Change Academy will offer Level 1 and Level 2 NVQ plastering courses, supported by tutors from Hugh Baird College. Peter Barlow, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, North West said: “It’s been brilliant to support the launch of the SPL Change Academy by providing a mock timber frame house.
“The Keepmoat team has also created a traditional working environment of closed rooms, where the students will carry out their training, in place of small open bays. The team is also set to deliver a series of site skills-focused employability sessions, in order to help bridge the gap between college and site work.”
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