Young people in Calderdale have been finding out more about the opportunities available within the construction industry at a special training day at Northgate House in Halifax.
Calderdale Council is working with the construction management company Blacc to transform the former library and Council offices at Northgate House to create a new sixth form centre, offices and retail units.
The brand new sixth form centre is being jointly developed by Calderdale Council and Trinity Multi-Academy Trust. Students from Trinity visited the Northgate development site and worked with the construction team to ‘have a go’ at a number of onsite activities.
As well as participating in activities such as bricklaying, electrical wiring and internal fit out processes, students also received more information about supporting industries such as architecture, quantity surveying, project management, manufacturing and engineering.
There was also the opportunity for the students to find out about work experience opportunities and membership to professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building.
Calderdale Council’s Corporate Lead for Major Projects, Rob Summerfield, said:
“As the Northgate sixth form site continues to take shape, it’s great that we’ve been able to offer this opportunity for students to find out more about careers in the construction industry.
“Participating students received a behind the scenes look at the building and gained greater knowledge about the industry. The event also explored related careers and we provided information about required qualifications and entry routes such as university courses and higher apprenticeships.”
One student said of their experience:
“I would like to thank the Council for all that they did and let them know that they made it easier for me to make a choice on what career in the construction industry I would choose.”
The Sixth Form Progress Tutor at Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, said:
“The students gave some really positive feedback and it really opened their eyes to the amount of opportunities and career routes that are available within the industry.”
The Northgate transformation is part of the Next Chapter to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. For more information about this and other exciting developments in Calderdale, visit www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link) and follow #CdaleNextChapter on Twitter.
The Next Chapter helps to form the Vision2024 for Calderdale. In the year 2024, Calderdale will celebrate its 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? What’s our ambition and what will be different? Get involved in the conversation using #VisionCdale2024 on Twitter, by following Calderdale Council on Facebook and by visiting www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision