Bid to build a workforce

Construction Skills, the skills council for the industry, is hoping to use developments such as that of Shire House, Eastbrook Hall and the Gatehaus development to inspire school leavers to investigate a career in construction.

The message is that the industry is home to many different professions, from architects and managers to plasterers and electricians.

And Construction Skills has set up a website for pupils to log on to, explaining the possibilities that are available. The body is particularly keen to attract Asian, black and female recruits, which are still relatively under-represented in the industry.

Work done earlier this year with the Accent Community Partnership in Barkerend, led by operations manager Nawaz Khan, resulted in 14 young people being accepted on apprenticeship programmes with leading construction firms.

Ken Parker, area manager for Construction Skills in Yorkshire and Humber said: "Nawaz Khan and his colleagues are doing a magnificent job in mentoring the young people they have recruited on to our Managing Agency apprenticeship programme.

"By giving this support to both apprentice and employer during an important stage in a young person's working life, they are ensuring the best possible chance of successful achievement and completion of the apprenticeship.

"In the next few months major work is due to begin on the Broadway development. We want to say to youngsters that you could be part of creating your city's future and leave a legacy on Bradford."

Leading firms such as ISG Totty, Lovell and Wates Construction, who have been heavily involved in major construction projects in Bradford, are backing the scheme.

And Construction Skills is sending the message to employers to begin recruitment drives now or risk missing the best candidates. Employers and other organisations wanting to find out more can log on at www.constructionskills.net/index.asp.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk