Croydon College increases free training courses ahead of upturn in construction industry
An increase in the number of construction industry companies looking for skilled workers in the Croydon area has seen the New Addington-based Building Enterprise scheme expand the number of bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing training courses that it runs.
Operated as a partnership between Croydon College and the Croydon Enterprise Programme, all Building Enterprise training courses are free to residents of Croydon postcodes and are provided at the Bizspace business centre on Vulcan Way. “We are now running full-time, ten week courses for all local residents, from ages 16 to 64, who want to attain the skills and qualifications to enable them to start work, or even set up their own businesses, in the construction industry,” comments Mick Walker, project manager at Building Enterprise.
“Our training modules not only cover the basic building skills, but we also cover aspects of first aid and can bolt-on other modules such as plastering and painting & decorating. We can also fast-track trainees onto the business start-up course being run via Croydon Enterprise. We can even provide those who complete the course with a basic business ‘starter pack’ that not only includes a tool box and a trade discount card, but also features a half day IT training to enable those starting their own business to build their own website.
“The Bizspace centre has proven to be great location for us as it’s centrally-located in the heart of New Addington’s business community and so we’ve been able to build strong relationships with a number of businesses based here. It’s also the perfect location for new start-up businesses and particularly those looking to maintain contact with their trainers. There are a number of £multi-million construction contracts in the pipeline in the Croydon area and an increasing number of local companies have started to approach us regarding job opportunities.
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“Our courses are to City & Guilds standards and all successful trainees will leave with the qualifications and the relevant CSCS card, now regarded as the passport to all UK construction sites. We are providing a superb opportunity for individuals to better themselves and become skilled, qualified and prepared for when the current economic downturn ends and the building industry gets back into high gear.”
Bizspace Centre manager Natasha Walker comments, “Building Enterprise is typical of the numerous small organisations that are continuing to expand in the current financial climate by taking advantage of the flexibility we provide. We are particularly pleased to see their facilities at New Addington being expanded and we wholeheartedly support their efforts to give something back to the local community.”
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For further information, please contact Gregg Sheen, Bizspace Marketing Director at