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Wates Residential North and Rotherham Council build futures for local jobseekers

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#wathupondearne Latest news in Yorkshire: September 09, 2018 02:04:52 PM

Rotherham Council’s partnership with Wates Residential North to build 217
homes has resulted in employment opportunities for people in the borough.

Wates, alongside delivery partner Ixion Holdings, brought its two-week
accredited Building Futures training programme to the town, with 10 local
jobseekers from Rotherham and Doncaster taking part.

During the course the candidates, aged between 20 and 45, worked towards
achieving a BTEC Level 1 in construction, traffic marshalling, asbestos
awareness and health and safety qualifications. The programme culminated in
the attendees sitting the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) on
the final morning.

The training programme also provided hands on experience in joinery and
multi-trade skills and allowed the candidates to practice interview
techniques and coaching for successful employment on completion of the
course. Three of the candidates have since received job offers.

Building Futures was launched in 2005 and to date over 1,250 people have
completed the course across the UK. After completing the programme the
candidates will be supported by Ixion Holdings with further employment
advice for six months.

Wates’ work in Rotherham forms part of the Council’s £29m plan to revamp the
borough’s housing offer – creating quality properties that meet the needs of
local residents. Phase one of the construction programme also includes
development at Braithwell Road – where properties have recently gone to
market – as well as at Conway Crescent, Farnsworth Road, East Herringthorpe
and Gaitskell Close.
Phase two in Dinnington will commence later this year, with phase three in
Canklow already having started on site. Completion is expected for all 217
homes in 2020.
Throughout the development work, Wates has committed to deliver further
training and employment opportunities for local people. Wates has engaged
local suppliers and subcontractors to ensure that the council’s investment
provides a boost for the local economy.

Richard Shroll, Managing Director, Wates Residential North, commented: “One
of the most rewarding aspects of our work in Rotherham is knowing we are
creating a tangible legacy – not just in the homes we are building, but also
in the employment and skills opportunities we are creating for local people.
I’d like to congratulate all of our participants for the excellent worth
ethic and commitment to learning shown during the two weeks, and wish them
the best of luck in their future careers.”

Councillor Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council,
said: “When we embarked on this successful partnership with Wates we were
excited about the additional benefit of training opportunities for local
people. I’m delighted to hear about the people from Rotherham who have
benefited from the training programme and now have the skills they need to
progress in their career. The new housing development will also mean over
two hundred high quality, affordable homes in the borough, which will really
boost our housing supply and help to regenerate the borough making it a
place where people want to live and spend their leisure time.”

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