Esh Construction launch programme to train 400 North East jobseekers

25 Mar 2021 01:51 PM

Esh Construction has launched a programme of free employability and skills training to help North East jobseekers gain entry into the construction industry.

As a contractor to NEPO’s procurement solutions for public sector construction projects, Esh has undertaken a number of significant regional projects such as the development of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor and Bowburn Primary School in Durham.

Working in partnership with Learning Curve Group and Core People, the programme will provide training to 400 residents of Stockton, Sunderland, County Durham and South Tyneside. On completion of the course, participants will sit a CSCS test (an entry level qualification for the construction industry) and, if successful, receive a CSCS card. In addition, Core People will assess participants’ skills with a view to securing employment on construction sites across the North East.

Laura Kyle, Construction Category Specialist at NEPO yesterday said:

“NEPO has worked hard to ensure that social value is embedded within our procurement solutions, this means that our contractors have committed to delivering positive social, economic and environmental outcomes when undertaking construction projects for our public sector members.

“This excellent initiative from Esh is an example of how public sector procurement can target specific issues in local areas, such as unemployment and skills gaps, and be a force for change.”

Ross Markwell, Business Development Director at Esh Construction, added:

“Although the last year has been extremely hard for everyone, we at Esh feel privileged that the government and North East local authorities have continued to back the construction industry, which has allowed us to continue to operate for the majority of this current crisis.

“We are proud to support those displaced from their career or profession back into industry, and in particular offer them a gateway into the construction industry. This initial pilot will focus on areas where we have delivered projects for NEPO’s members, and we hope to develop and grow the programme over the coming months.”

If you are interested in participating in the programme you can register interest at https://www.learningcurvegroup.co.uk/landing/esh-group