A new Construction Skills Village in Barnsley will give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the sector
In a bid to train the next generation of workers, Barnsley College has created a Construction Skills Village.
The new Construction Skills Village, which launched last November is to be officially opened by Barnsley’s Mayor Linda Burgess on 30 January.
It is hoped the Construction Skills Village will go some way to addressing the skills shortage while closing the gap between education and industry.
Develop hands-on skills
The project, which is a collaboration between Barnsley College, Henry Boot Construction, Northern Regeneration, and Barnsley Council saw £100m investment from the council’s Better Barnsley town centre redevelopment fund.
It will enable students to gain hands-on experience on a ‘live’ construction site, with projects running from the design phase to the finished product. Students will develop skills in a range of construction trades including groundworks, painting and decorating, bricklaying, plastering, carpentry and joinery, and plumbing.
The aim is to ensure a thriving economy in the region that supports good business growth and new jobs.
Recruit local talent
Speaking to The Star, managing director at Northern Regeneration Graham Ratcliffe said: “The Skills Village is a fantastic opportunity to identify and recruit new talent locally to help address the skills gap.
“On site, students will experience ‘real life’ training and gain genuine work experience and employment opportunities.”
Barnsley College principal Christopher Webb also commented, noting the difference the village will make for local students.
He said: “The Skills Village provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience of industry working practices and ensure that, at the end of their course, they are ready for employment.”
The launch kicks off at 10am. For more details about the Skills Village and to take a tour of the site call 07506 745808 for details.
