Delegates at the annual MKSM Conference were given the opportunity last week to listen to Peter Caffry present details of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation’s unique Construction Futures initiative. Peter, manager of the project explained how it will deliver social and economic added value for communities in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester through construction training and procurement programmes, linked to development activity. The conference attracted over 200 key decision makers from the private and public sector who have an interest in growth, regeneration and investment in the Milton Keynes South Midlands area.
Harj Dhaliwal, WNDC’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery, said: “The emphasis for this initiative is delivery of quality on-site training with the benefits of employment. It benefits the individuals, the developers, the wider construction sector and supports the future growth and regeneration of West Northamptonshire. WNDC wants to help ensure there is a young, vibrant and qualified workforce trained in preparation for the upturn in development. It is important for new development to support local people with local jobs and enhanced skills that will strengthen the local economy.”
The project has been nationally recognised and awarded Construction Training Academy status by Construction Skills (formerly CITB) and is the first such award in the East Midlands. WNDC, in partnership with Moulton College and developers will provide on-site practical training for individuals for a fixed amount of weeks on new developments in addition to supporting the formal college training programmes. A Skills Register has been developed, which will match individuals, skills and objectives to jobs and training opportunities.
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