ConstructionSkills has unveiled a project to help disabled and long-term sick workers find work placements within the industry.

Mark Farrar, chief executive of the construction industry’s sector skills council, launched the London-based programme, NETAmbitions, at a recent Thames Gateway Forum. 

The aim of the scheme is to offer training, work placements and support to people with disabilities or long-term health problems within construction. There are opportunities for all types of work, including site logistics and professional roles.

Farrar said: “I am delighted that this project is up and running, because it comes at a time when we need to ensure we have a range of diverse people coming into our industry. We can’t just avoid the talk about the recession, slowdown, downturn and credit crunch, but the industry still needs to deliver numerous major projects over the coming years. When stronger growth returns, we need to be ready to respond to the upturn with enough qualified and skilled people in our industry to deliver these projects.

“Construction is not a dead-end job and it’s not just a manual job. Construction is a British industry; it is rewarding and does not discriminate. There are plenty of career opportunities available for everyone, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or disability.”

Lakehouse, a service provider specialising in affordable housing, community employment, education and training, took on some of the first candidates who signed up for the scheme.

Nineteen-year-old James Wilson, from Newham, is deaf and recently completed a month’s work placement at Lakehouse. He hopes to go to work on site as a result of his work-based training. He said: “When I finished college I was struggling to find a job. I was pointed towards NETAmbitions and they were really helpful.

“They gave me some basic training, including health and safety, so I could work on site. I went to work for Lakehouse, keeping the site safe and clean. I am going to get my Construction Skills Certificate Scheme Card and undertake other training so I can get more work. I’m interested in fork lift truck driving though, ultimately, I’d like to work my way up to site manager.”

NETAmbitions is open to anyone with a disability or long-term health condition who would like to work in the construction industry, particularly anyone who may have been injured or developed health problems in construction and would now like to retrain or return to the industry.
 
The scheme is also supported by, among others, the London Development Agency, the Mayor of London’s agency for driving sustainable economic growth, Olympic Delivery Authority, City of London, Jobcentreplus and Westfield.
 
James Wilson is pictured with Maria Sheppard, from NETAmbitions, who has helped him find training in construction

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