Vocational training provider Building Futures Together (BFT) has welcomed its first cohort of students onto a new advanced construction course for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Pudsey-based BFT, which supports young people, including students who are struggling in school or are missing from education, gain hands-on construction experience, has introduced the new provision due to a shortage of further education opportunities, especially apprenticeships.
The launch coincides with post-16 specialists Think, reporting that high demand for college places, especially in Leeds, risks hampering efforts to reduce the number of 16 to 18s not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
Students on the course will gain extensive knowledge of electrical and plumbing skills. The programme covers an introduction to health and safety in construction, site preparation, and practical tasks such as installing lighting circuits and sockets, removing and refitting radiators, and bending, joining, and connecting copper pipes.
On completion, students will achieve the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction. Those who have attended BFT through the school’s engagement programme will achieve the Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills.
John Thornton, BFT managing director and co-founder, said: “We launched BFT to support students with an interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry and to engage with pupils struggling with the curriculum, or missing from education. Our aim has always been to help prevent young people from becoming NEET.
“We have witnessed first hand the difficulties our young people have faced when it has come to taking the next step. The lack of apprenticeship opportunities, especially for 16-year-olds, means that there are limited routes into construction careers.
“Our new 16 to 19 provision gives students practical, real-world learning and the skills to take their next step into employment. With strong industry links, we can connect students directly to employers looking for new talent.”
BFT operates from a purpose-built training facility within mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) provider G&H’s head office. The facility includes eight bays providing 24 individual training spaces, a project room, and a classroom to support the delivery of entry-level qualifications in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning services.
Parents, schools and students interested in construction careers can find out more about BFT here.
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