Construction and Development Group Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K), currently working on the regeneration of Crewe town centre, are partnering with YMCA Crewe to launch a new Construction Skills programme to encourage people experiencing homelessness to consider careers in the Construction Industry.
Led by our instructors, the 12-week programme will cover a broad introduction to a range of different skills within the Construction trade, including bricklaying, woodwork, and plumbing.
Graduates of the programme will then be able to access a pathway into further work experience within YMCA Crewe’s Property Maintenance Team and will also have the opportunity to visit B +K’s construction site, and benefit from the expertise of professionals working on the regeneration of the town centre.
Participants will be able to enrol onto the course in three intakes throughout the year, and as well as being open to YMCA Crewe residents, the programme will be open to individuals supported by other organisations around Crewe that are already working closely with the YMCA.
Our Head of Housing and Support Services Becky Parke says:
“YMCA Crewe provides accommodation for individuals of all ages, genders and faiths. Each year we support many of our residents to enter employment and training and have found that using our experience of working alongside individuals to identify and overcome any potential barriers to entering the workforce is key to sustaining employment.
By offering this structured programme within our existing support service, we will use our extensive skills in working with this client group to help encourage them to seek employment within the Construction trade, and hope that the partnership with B+K while they work on such a high-profile regeneration project in our local community, will be the inspiration our residents need to explore where learning a trade could take them. We want to thank Bowmer + Kirkland for their support of this project, and the belief they have shown in the potential of our residents”
B+K Regional Director, Gary Bradley said
“This kind of partnership is at the root of all our social value efforts. To help people in the community who would otherwise struggle to get into work, while at the same time increasing skills within the construction industry. We are looking forward to working with the YMCA in Crewe.”
For more information about how you can help support our work, or for information on other partnership opportunities, contact Fundraising and Communications Manager Lisa Cormack at lisa.cormack@ymcacrewe.org.uk.
