A group of 14 people from North East Lincolnshire have taken the first steps to secure a job in the engineering and construction industry, as the ECITB Work Ready Programme began this September.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is dedicated to developing various training programmes and initiatives that aim to address skills shortages and support the growth of the sector.
The fully funded Work Ready programme spans 14 weeks and targets those aged 19 and over who are in a period of unemployment, providing them with recognised industry skills and accredited qualifications. This is the first cohort of learners in North East Lincolnshire, following the successful completion of the course in various regions across England.
Upon completion, participants will be guaranteed an interview with a sector-specific local business, addressing the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the engineering and construction industry across the Humber region.
The ECITB’s Labouring Forecasting Tool highlights the demand in the sector on a national level, indicating the skills gap could peak at 40% as early as 2028, with an extra 40,000 extra workers needed in the coming years. 12,000 of these roles will be required in the Humber region.
Building on existing training and apprenticeship programmes, the ECITB Work Ready project is a collaborative effort between ECITB and CATCH, who will be delivering the programme. The programme is funded by UK Government, following allocation by North East Lincolnshire Council in recognition of the programme’s alignment with the borough’s priorities – those being Communities and Place, Supporting Business, and People and Skills. The Adult Careers Service within the Council will provide support as the impartial contact for referrals and guidance until January 2025.
Speaking about the programme, Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are proud to be part of the movement to help close the skills gap alongside CATCH and the ECITB.
“The Humber Bank is at the forefront of the engineering and construction sector, and we feel this is the perfect initiative to help continue these efforts. The Council are dedicated to improving employment levels across the borough and helping residents learn new skills in any way we can.
“With this initiative, we are not only helping people have a chance at employment but also helping to build a better future for North East Lincolnshire.”
Those who had successfully secured a place on the course began their training this week and spoke about their experience so far, including Steve who had been in a period of unemployment for seven years after suffering from Leukaemia and the lengthy recovery process that followed.
“After being supported by the Adult’s Careers Team at the Council they suggested the Work Ready programme could be a good opportunity for me to get experience and a recognised qualification,” said Steve.
This is just one example of the importance of joining up local careers services, as funding from UK Government for the Adult Careers Team meant they could assist with costs to make the Work Ready Programme a legitimate option for Steve.
“I’m even supported with getting to and from the lessons through the Adult’s Careers Team and their CareerShift programme, which means my transport is covered – they have helped make sure there are no barriers to me working on my future”.
Commenting on his setbacks due to his lack of confidence in using the digital equipment, Steve was quick to praise the supportive environment around him, saying: “I felt like I could speak to the tutor straight away and let him know I wasn’t confident in my digital skills, without it being a problem. I am given the extra support when I need it so I can keep going through the learning process to get to where I want to be”.
To find out more about the programme, visit www.ecitb.org.uk/work-ready/ or contact Wendy Trask at North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Service at [email protected].
For more training opportunities, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/adult-education-and-learning/. Alternatively, you can keep updated with the upcoming funding opportunities in North East Lincolnshire by signing up to the newsletter at www.investnel.co.uk.
The provision of this programme in North East Lincolnshire is funded by the UK Government.
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