Pathway to Construction for Local Students

City College Plymouth, in conjunction with Plymouth Construction Training Group, will be hosting an information evening on Thursday 12 July, for employers, students and parents/carers who are interested in the 'Pathway to Construction Initiative'.

Pathway to Construction is a national initiative that gives students the opportunity to gain a ten week work placement with a local construction company, over the summer break. Students, who have completed a year of study at the College, can gain relevant work experience in their chosen trade, gaining valuable skills and knowledge to improve their technical abilities and employability skills - which should lead to an Apprenticeship.

The evening will begin the process of matching students to local employers who are looking to recruit young people and potential future apprentices. Students will go through the company recruitment process which could include CV writing, completing an application form and attending interviews.

Mike Smith, proprietor of local construction company, Mainly Kitchens will be speaking about his own experiences of the initiative. Kieran Wheeler, an apprentice taken on by Mainly Kitchens will also be on hand to tell guests how he has benefited from the scheme.

Sharron Robbie, Corporate Relations Manager at the College, said: “We are delighted to be working with Plymouth Construction Training Group on this initiative.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for construction students to gain valuable, trade relevant work experience, which really helps to improve their technical abilities and overall employability skills. Employers within the construction sector benefit too, as the initiative provides them with a great opportunity to recruit future apprentices, in order to ‘grow their own’ in a cost-effective way.”

Ian Lacey, Training Officer with Plymouth Construction Training Group, said: “This initiative has been designed to enable both employers and students to benefit by working together. Construction companies are eager to engage with young people, and are keen to ensure they have access to a skilled pool of labour in order to support sector growth and competitiveness.

All organisations involved in the Pathway to Construction initiative are looking for potential apprentices and it is hoped that many City College Plymouth students who gain work experience from this, will also gain full-time employment.”

Last year, 15 construction students from the College took part in the scheme, with many of them gaining an Apprenticeship on completion.