Funding received to improve construction skills across the district

Over £73k of funding has been received from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership’s (GBSLEP) Future Impact Fund, to fund a skills project which will be delivered by South Staffordshire College.

The funding will be used for the construction of a dedicated outdoor concrete pad and cover facility at the Cannock College campus, which will enable students to experience working outside as they would in the workplace.

This project complements the UKSPF Construction Excellence project which £397,954 of funding was received last year, enabling the college to build a bespoke carpentry workshop and purpose-built wet trades workshops to support the delivery of brick, flooring and painting.

Councillor Josh Newbury, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets said “We are delighted to have received additional funding for The Construction Excellence facility at South Staffordshire Colleges Cannock Campus.  This new project will help to prepare the next generation of construction workers for working outside.  These facilities will prove to be invaluable to our local economy as they will attract apprentices from across the district into a booming industry.”

Andy Cartwright, Director of Faculty for Technology, Business and Service Industries at South Staffordshire College said “South Staffordshire College, in partnership with Cannock Chase Council, has secured nearly £400,000 in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. With industry experts in our staff, many of whom are former construction professionals, we are dedicated to addressing the skills shortage in the Cannock Chase district. This investment enables us to provide tailored training, supporting local businesses and meeting the urgent needs of our community.”

Henriette Breukelaar, Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership said “Throughout its existence, GBSLEP has been a driver of sustainable and inclusive growth in its entire geography, including the Staffordshire Districts. This latest grant, issued shortly before GBSLEP closes its doors, is another important part of our impressive legacy as this project will be of benefit to businesses and communities as it helps young people gain the skills they need to secure good quality jobs in the local economy.”

The construction industry accounts for approximately 3 million jobs across the UK. Within Cannock Chase nine out of the top 10 occupations held by local people are within construction specialisms. The area also has over 20% more job openings within construction than the national average.

If you’d like to #CreateYourCareer in construction at Cannock College why not visit one of their open days. To find out more and book your place visit: southstaffs.ac.uk/open-days