Housebuilder opens doors to construction careers

A North East housebuilder is helping build the construction industry’s future workforce after engaging more than 900 young people through careers and training programmes.

Keepmoat’s Newcastle-based social value team has worked with schools, colleges, apprentices and prospective employees across the region throughout the academic year.

Activities have ranged from careers events to practical workshops designed to give participants first-hand experience of opportunities within construction.

Much of the programme has been delivered through Keepmoat’s National House Building Council (NHBC) Training Hub at The Rise development in Scotswood.

The facility provides space for apprenticeships, recruitment events and practical training, helping young people connect skills development with live construction projects.

A new cohort of bricklaying apprentices recently completed intensive training covering bricklaying fundamentals, health and safety and obtaining Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards.

Groundwork apprentices from Wearmouth Construction and Applebridge have also visited the development, while a recruitment day connected prospective apprentices and local residents with employers.

Darryl Stewart, head of commercial services at NHBC, said: “We’re committed to helping the home-building industry bridge the skills gap and believe strongly in working in partnership with developers to deliver training. 

“The UK faces a housing crisis and it’s essential we build more quality homes at pace – that’s why we’re investing £100 million to train up to 3000 new apprentices every year and are creating 12 new multi skill training hubs across the UK. 

“The NHBC Training Hub at The Rise development in Scotswood is an effective, collaborative partnership with Keepmoat designed to immerse apprentices in a realistic working environment. 

“This initiative is equipping the next generation of skilled site workers with hands-on experience to meet the growing demand in the home-building industry.”

The Rise is being delivered by New Tyne West Development Company, a regeneration partnership between Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat.

Around 750 of a planned 1800 mixed-tenure homes have so far been delivered at the west Newcastle development.

Geoff Scott, social value manager at Keepmoat North East, added: “At Keepmoat, we’re proud to support the next generation of  young talent across the North East in preparing for long-term career opportunities they’re passionate about. 

“We also understand the construction industry faces a skills shortage, which is why it's so important that we empower students early and help them understand the breadth of opportunities available.

“By collaborating with local schools and colleges, we are able to help students prepare for the world of work. 

“These partnerships allow Keepmoat to offer tailored opportunities where students can visit live sites and gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.”

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