Manchester learning hub for construction workers
The Manchester Schools Framework is not just about building schools it's about improving the future of Manchester and its people. As part of the framework, Balfour Beatty Construction Northern Limited is aiming to significantly increase the number of young people and adults who are able to enter the construction industry with a qualification and site experience through the implementation of Manchester's first Learning Hub.
The Learning Hub is a demountable facility with a ten-year life span which can be moved up to four times across the city to enable learning to be delivered where it is need the most. Developed in partnership with Manchester City Council (MCC) and the Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT), the Learning Hub will offer on-site skills training for up to 600 construction workers over its life span.
It will provide training for members of the local community who are new to the construction industry, eventually moving them into employment on site and it will target existing experienced workers based within the Manchester Schools Framework supply chain who wish to improve their skills and qualifications. The Learning Hub will also enable school pupils to access vocational training in a site setting.
A key driver behind Manchester City Council's support for this initiative is the opportunity to increase the number of unskilled people moving into training and employment, which in turn will result in social and economic benefits for the local area. The Learning Hub will also aid the regeneration of Wythenshawe, a neighbourhood in the south of Manchester, by bringing new opportunities to the local community.
Councillor Jeff Smith, Executive Member Children's Services, MCC, said "The regeneration of Manchester - including its school buildings - is steadily transforming the look and the lives of people across the whole city. The Construction Learning Hub at Newall Green will be a valuable asset in providing the workforce of tomorrow with the skills they need to play their part in this, as well as refreshing the skills of existing workers who wish to improve their skills and qualifications."
The hub was officially launched at the end of 2006 by Albert Ree, North West and Midlands Director and General Manager of Balfour Beatty Construction Northern, John Lorimer, Capital Programme Director at MCC and Bernard Priest, Senior Vice Principal of MANCAT.
Commenting on the launch, Albert Ree said "We are delighted to be launching the Manchester Learning Hub which approaches learning in a slightly different way. By locating what is in effect a mini-college on the site, we can ensure that new learners in the local community don't have to travel far to learn and that staff don't have to leave the project."
Senior Vice Principal of MANCAT, Bernard Priest said "We are delighted to be working with one of the leading construction companies and to be making a contribution to the regeneration of Wythenshawe, ensuring residents have access to real job opportunities."
The first group of trainees have already started a course in bricklaying. Niall Williams, one of the new trainees said "I have always wanted to do bricklaying and I am really enjoying the course. I used to go to Newall Green High School and I think its great that they are doing this."
Another trainee, Adam Brindley, said "This is so different to going to school. They teach you the theory and the practical and together it makes sense. I'm really enjoying it."
As an organisation, Balfour Beatty Construction is keen to invest in the communities in which it works. Alongside the provision of a new school for the area, the Learning Hub initiative will assist local people in gaining the knowledge and skills to help them achieve a better future and support the long-term sustainability of Manchester.