A new centre in the Black Country will start work training the next generation of young builders in the coming weeks, thanks to help from commercial property agency Bulleys.

Training group BCTG started youngsters on the first courses at the new centre in Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, during February.

It is the first in a new series of construction training centres BCTG is launching as part of a £2 million expansion programme.

Director Chris Luty said: “BCTG is one of the largest independent training providers in England. Each year we train over 10,000 young people and adults in a range of vocational and technical skills in areas such as health & social care, early years education, engineering, construction, management and business services. We operate nationally at employers’ premises or from our local skill centres.

“As part of our aim to support the skills needs in the West Midlands, we have committed to invest over £2 million to develop a series of new Construction Centres across the region. The centres will offer young people between 16-18 and adults from 19+ access to a range of skills in bricklaying, painting & decorating, plastering, roofing and cladding. Each centre is at the heart of the local community, ensuring easy, flexible access for all.

“The first centre at Unit 34, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich launched its first course on 10 February 2020.”

Mr Luty added: “If HS2 goes ahead the industry estimates it will need an extra 50,000 trained construction workers. Even without that the growth in housebuilding in this region, let alone the constant construction work underway in Birmingham, has created an urgent need for young building workers.

“Our new centre in West Bromwich will be able to cater for up to 40 young people at a time, probably on 12 week programmes. So we could be training up to 200 people withing a few months of starting. The initial focus will be young people aged 16 to 19, but we expect to be training adults too.

“We will be providing them with the vital basic skills in bricklaying, woodwork, roofing, plastering; getting them ‘site-ready’ and qualified with their CSCS certification so they can start work. We will also provide training in various skills to Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ.”

With its ambitious expansion plans, BCTG had contacted Black Country commercial property agency Bulleys. Angela Holland, agency assistant at Bulleys’ Oldbury office, compiled a list of half-a-dozen potential sites and BCTG identified Unit 34 on the Kelvin Way Trading Estate as ideal for its needs.

Chris Luty said:

“Bulleys were highly professional and made it a very smooth process. We wanted to start the courses in February, so there was not time to waste. Angela Holland arranged for us to see all the sites and once we had chosen Kelvin Way they helped keep everything on track.”

The 4,039 sq ft unit is being leased on a three-year £22,214.50 per annum term agreed with the landlord’s agent, Caisson Investment Management.

James Ward, asset management partner at Caisson, said: “We are very impressed with the dedication, proactivity and efficiency that Bulleys have shown, while acting on our behalf as joint property agents, in helping to achieve an almost fully-let estate.  They are consummate professionals, exceptional at what they do and always show a willingness to go the extra mile; we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them.”

Bulleys handled the property alongside joint agent Harris Lamb. BCTG’s solicitor was Sarah Ferdinand of Ferdinand Consulting, based in Coventry, and the landlord was represented by Amie Kelsall of Womble Bond Dickinson, based in Southampton.

For more details of the training courses to be run at the new centre, call BCTG on  0121 544 6455 or email enquiries@bctg.org.uk.