Almost 50 people, including many who have been long-term unemployed, have taken the first steps to securing a job in the engineering construction industry after beginning Trainee Maintenance Operative (TMO) Work Ready Programmes.
Three cohorts started in the last two weeks in Hampshire, Pembrokeshire and Teesside and will gain recognised industry skills and accredited qualifications.
On successful completion of the programme, a number of permanent roles will be guaranteed with Altrad Services on local sites across the country.
The three pre-employment programmes come after a further group of 12 started on the Work Ready initiative in Cumbria last month. On successful completion of that programme, the learners will secure jobs with Jacobs Field Services and Shepley and will be deployed onto the Sellafield nuclear site.
Learner Megan Beckerleg on day one of the programme in Pembrokeshire
Work Ready is a collaborative and co-funded partnership between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), a college or training provider, employers, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and other local partners or authorities.
They have been developed to create a pipeline of new entrants aged 18+ and help address skills shortages in the engineering construction industry, with the ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool predicting a 28% increase in demand for workers by 2028.
ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey said: “The pilot Work Ready programme at Pembrokeshire College in 2023 was a big success with all learners who completed the programme gaining employment. It shows the real benefits of adopting a collaborative approach.
“The ECITB’s strategy, Leading Industry Learning, sets out our plans to grow new entrant pathways, like Work Ready, into the engineering construction industry.
“These latest initiatives further demonstrate the steps the ECITB is taking to grow capacity within the industry, with numerous additional Work Ready programmes running across the country this year.
“I would like to wish all learners the best of luck on their journey and future careers.”
Work Ready Programme partnerships
Referrals for the programme came from the Department for Work & Pensions’ (DWP) Jobcentres, as well as candidates directly applying via online adverts and through regional events.
As well as being introduced to skills related to health and safety, rigging and mechanical joint integrity, the programme also involves learners achieving a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations.
The Pembrokeshire programme is being delivered by Pembrokeshire College and Providence Training and is co-funded by the Welsh Government and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.
The Hampshire programme is a collaborative initiative between the ECITB, Altrad, Hampshire County Council, the DWP and training provider SETA, which is delivering the training from its Southampton base, with funding coming through Skills Bootcamps.
The Teesside programme is also funded by Skills Bootcamps through Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA), with partners including NETA Training, part of the Education Training Collective (Etc.), the ECITB, Altrad and local partners in the area. Delivery of the training is taking place at NETA’s Stockton branch.
Skills Bootcamps are fully funded for learners in England by the Department for Education, as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, and are delivered locally through partnerships such as those in Teesside and Hampshire.
The funding provides free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills to move into employment.
Councillor Rob Humby, Leader of Hampshire County Council, added: “It’s great to see employers coming together with local training providers, helping to shape the courses offered, and so fill local skills gaps and job vacancies.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “There are massive career opportunities now available in the engineering construction industry. But it’s essential we make sure everyone can take advantage of the high-quality jobs being created – which is why helping people gain the right skills is so important.”
Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters said: “It’s great that industry is working together to get individuals into work. This programme has been tailored to meet the requirements of industry and fill the gaps in the workforce.”
Altrad combined forces with the Northern Competency Cluster, which included the ECITB, as a Skills Bootcamp helped nine trainees gain employment in Teesside last year.
Learners on the Pembrokeshire Work Ready Programme alongside ECITB Account Manager Sarah Hepworth, David Warrell, MD of Providence Training, and Instructor Simon Lindsey.
Mark Poole, Learning and Competence Manager at Altrad, with new starters on the Hampshire Skills Bootcamp. Photo: Altrad
Ten of the cohort on the first day of the Teesside Skills Bootcamp. Photo: NETA Training
Tony Jester, Executive Vice President of Operations at Altrad, said: “The Teesside pilot enabled trainees to acquire essential skills and knowledge, equipping them for roles within the engineering construction industry.
“The training provided not only fosters a more skilled and capable workforce, but also serves as a crucial stepping stone towards building a robust talent pipeline.
“This strategic initiative has not only met the immediate skills requirements of the industry, but has also positioned it for long-term success by cultivating a pool of skilled professionals.”
Donna Mulvihill, Head of Learning & Development at Altrad, said: “I am pleased that the programme’s triumph has prompted the expansion and replication of the model across the UK, underscoring its effectiveness as a scalable solution to address regional skills gaps and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.”