Jones Bros has joined forces with The Prince’s Trust Cymru to provide construction site skills and training for young people from across North Wales.
The Ruthin-based civil engineering company has worked in partnership with the national youth support charity to run the Get Into Construction course at their CITB CPCS approved construction plant training centre.
The three-week programme saw participants achieve red CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) and green CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards, recognised construction industry qualifications that prove that they have the basic skills needed to contribute to an active work site. The programme also included four days of work experience with various construction companies across North Wales.
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people gain the confidence and skills to find work. It supports 13 to 30-year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school or at risk of exclusion through practical and financial support. Three out of four young people helped by the charity move into work, education or training.
Participants on the course celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony at the Ruthin Castle Hotel, where the presentations were made by Jones Bros’ Chairman Huw Jones.
Two of the young people, Kieron Groom and Kirie Hughes, impressed Jones Bros’ trainers so much they have offered them paid employment.
20-year-old Kieron from Wrexham was unemployed for more than eight months before he was referred to The Prince’s Trust. After completing the Get into Construction course, Kieron has secured a month’s paid trial at a Jones Bros construction site in Wales. This could lead to a permanent post subject to performance.
He said, “The on-the-job learning element of the course really suited me, and to get the opportunity for permanent employment at the end is fantastic. To go from where I was to employment shows how far these courses can help you progress in a short space of time. I gave 100% during the programme, and it’s great to be rewarded for putting the effort in. It was a priceless experience.”
Dave Gibson, Jones Bros’ health, safety, environment, quality and training manager, said: “The Prince’s Trust look to give young people an advantage in the work place, and this scheme is designed to help and encourage the participants to start a career in the construction industry.
“By achieving their CPCS and CSCS cards, they can demonstrate that they have the basic skills needed to work as dumper truck operatives and labourers on construction sites across the UK.
“Jones Bros has a genuine passion for helping young people from across North Wales fulfill their potential in the construction industry, and we hope to continue our work with the Prince’s Trust going forward.”
“I am delighted that we have been able to offer Kieron and Kirie the opportunity for full time employment. It’s up to them now”.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, Director for The Prince’s Trust Cyrmu said, “At The Prince’s Trust, we know young people have the determination to find jobs, but often lack the confidence and opportunities to do so. Get into programmes enable young people to demonstrate to a prospective employer just how motivated they are to get into work and the support from companies such as Jones Bros is invaluable to making this happen.”
For further information on careers in civil engineering with Jones Bros, visit the company’s careers page.