A pioneering entry-level initiative giving people the chance to access careers in the construction industry has been launched in East London.

Bellway’s Barking Project Team has invited Site Ready Solutions to set up a base in its main compound at Barking Riverside – including a cabin classroom, cabin tool store and access to power and water supplies – to provide a safe working environment for training in real site conditions.

The concept, led by GSQ Brickwork, is to provide initial two-week training courses to give participants the essential technical and soft skills required for entry-level construction roles. The participants are mentored by experienced tradespeople, with the initial course followed by a 12-week structured employer placement.

The first course for bricklaying commenced on Monday 4 August with an initial cohort of four students taking part.

David Burns, Managing Director at Bellway’s Barking Project Team, said: “We have a close working relationship with the excellent team at GSQ Brickwork who have worked on several of the phases of construction here at Barking Riverside. When we learned of their forward-thinking Site Ready Solutions initiative we were very keen to get involved and to support the scheme.”

Site Ready Solutions brings together employers, training and education centres, trade bodies and local stakeholders, including charities and community groups, to remove barriers to entry for individuals of all ages, streamline the onboarding process for recruits and ensure long-term workforce development.

The initial two-week Site Ready Programme includes as standard Level 1 Health & Safety and CSCS certification, along with practical skills in areas like employability and financial management.

The following 12-week employer placement includes continuous support from Site Ready Solutions, ensuring learners are fully prepared for the workplace.

Barking Riverside is regenerating the former Barking Power Station site in East London, with the scheme planned to eventually deliver around 20,000 homes, subject to planning permission, with Bellway set to build at least 4,000 of these.

Construction work is well underway on the fifth phase of Bellway’s Fielders Quarter development at Barking Riverside – Horizons at Fielders Quarter – which will deliver 440 new one, two and three-bedroom homes.

David said: “As part of our overarching Better with Bellway strategy we are committed to having a positive impact in the communities where we build and this initiative will help give local people the opportunity to access employment in construction. The participants will benefit from the real-life experience and expertise of the mentors and how to work alongside people of all ages.

“To further address the skills shortage within the industry and to support the local community, Barking Riverside is also due to become home to an NHBC Multi-Skills Academy early next year, when the first cohort is due to start.

“Both of these collaborations allow us to tap into the local talent and to give local people the chance of a career in the construction industry.”

Garry Staines, CEO at Site Ready Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be able to deliver training and jobs for local people to become skilled tradespeople.

“We’re extremely grateful to Bellway for providing such a fantastic site based environment for our learners to experience site conditions in a safe area before they begin work on site.

“We’re also grateful for the collaboration of our partners at Graysons, Camtech and Brickjackets for their kind donations ensuring the tools and materials used for training mirror those they will be using on site. The skills shortage is acute and will only be addressed by us all working together to develop the next generation of skilled workers.”

Further details about Site Ready Solutions can be found at https://sitereadysolutions.co.uk.

For information about careers at Bellway go to https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/vacancies.