Telford College is to hold a major recruitment event in a bid to tackle a growing skills gap in the construction industry.
The event will be held at the college’s Haybridge Road campus on Wednesday 7 February from 1pm to 3pm – and the hunt is now on for employers who want to get involved.
The college is working in conjunction with partners from Telford and Wrekin Council, Jobcentre Plus, the Department for Work & Pensions, and the Construction Industry Training Board.
Carol Smith, director of employer engagement at Telford College, said: “We are hoping to recruit a large number of construction employers to attend the event.
“It is designed to encourage a wide a range of people to consider a career in construction, including unemployed people and military leavers.
“Latest figures from the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors shows labour shortages continuing to grow in the construction sector.
“An ageing population, coupled with a lack of new skilled workers, mean the industry is facing a ticking time bomb. Next year, nearly 10,000 people are expected to leave the industry, compared with little more than 2,500 who will join.”
The construction event is the latest in a series of recruitment days planned at Telford College, as part of its campaign to build closer links with local businesses.
A large manufacturing company in Telford held a hugely successful two-day event earlier this year as part of its bid to fill 300 posts at its new factory on the Stafford Park industrial estate.
Trevor Oakley, CITB adviser for the Marches, said: “Construction is one of the UK’s fastest growing industries and thanks to the range of projects going on at any one time – it’s also one of the most challenging and exciting to work in.
“There are many ways you can get into construction, and the industry welcomes everyone from newcomers to people with some experience to career changers and military leavers.
“For many construction jobs you will be able to show your skills and gain or extend your qualifications while working in the industry.”
Louise Johnson, Shropshire employer lead for Jobcentre Plus, said “This is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council, CITB, Telford College and local construction employers.
“It is an amazing opportunity for our customers to have an insight in to all the different career choices in this buoyant sector.”
Enterprise Telford is committed to supporting business growth, and improving the skills and talent pool of the borough.
Emerging technologies and an ageing workforce are challenges faced by many of our local businesses and Enterprise Telford are a single point of contact to discuss the support available and can be contacted on 01952 567589.
Companies wanting more information about the 7 February event should contact Joanne Hope on 01952 642513, 07919 330898, or email Joanne.hope@tcat.ac.uk
If you are interested in attending the event please sign up here.
