A group of young Islington residents has discovered there’s more to the construction industry than bricks and mortar; it’s also a place to build a career.<br><br>More than 20 secondary school students from throughout the borough devoted part of their summer holidays to two courses run by the construction company Kier Islington and King’s Cross Working.<br><br>Both courses, run in partnership with Islington Council, aimed to raise awareness of opportunities available in the construction and trade industries while enhancing participants’ employability, skills, self-esteem and confidence.<br><br>The participants in the five-day construction course run by Kier Islington discovered ‘real life’ in the construction industry by learning about health and safety and, from the London Ambulance Service, emergency first aid.<br><br>In addition, participants made a site visit to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link project and worked with Kier Islington trade operatives doing general repairs in domestic properties.<br><br>The two-day carpentry taster, run by King’s Cross Working, saw young people operating as a team to develop their communication and carpentry skills.<br><br>Executive member for communities, Councillor Laura Willoughby, said: “With the construction industry booming throughout the borough and London, skills shortages are developing that are providing career options for a whole generation of school leavers.”<br><br>“These courses aim to capitalise on skills shortages by providing participants with a viable career choice and offering a seamless progression into training and employment in the construction industry.”<br><br>Course facilitators were encouraged by the demand for the courses and that 95% of participants found the construction course worthwhile.<br><br>Kier Islington training manager Maurice Burton said: “We were pleasantly surprised by the demand for the course, particularly as it was during summer holidays, and the participants proved to be enthusiastic learners.”<br><br>“These young people gained valuable experience in working in a non-school, professional environment quite different to school culture. It was excellent preparation for the world of training and work.”<br><br>Course participant Myles Lennon-Kelson from Holloway school said: "The most interesting part of the week was the first aid course, but we all agreed that the most fun was when we all went out separately doing real jobs for the day."<br><br>Other upcoming initiatives include construction activities during autumn term to coincide with National Construction Week (6 to 13 October), a tiling enterprise activity day with construction skills specifically for girls, and a four-day course for 15 to 20 young people during October half term, which will look at the development of a public space in Islington.<br><br>Editor’s notes:<br>King’s Cross Working is a partnership to encourage the local community to find employment in the re-development work taking place in and around King's Cross
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009