Lovell Partnerships is getting local people back into work by providing free training and long-term direct employment for local communities. Working in partnership with Citizen Housing, Coventry College and WMCA, Lovell has delivered the first Multi-Skills Bootcamp, designed to educate adult learners in the Coventry area on a range of employable construction disciplines.
Students on the course will gain skills in painting and decorating, plastering, carpentry and kitchen fitting, and will achieve a Level 1 NOCN Award in Construction Health and Safety and a Level 2 Award in Domestic Retrofit. At the end of the three-week course, students are guaranteed a job interview.
The scheme is designed to support Lovell’s aim to refurbish over 10,000 homes over a 10-year period, having recently secured a large contract with Citizen Housing to deliver replacement kitchens and bathrooms across Coventry and the wider Midlands.
Carl Yale, regional refurbishment director at Lovell, said: “This course is a fantastic way for local people to gain skills and set themselves up for a career in the industry. We’re faced with a skills shortage in the sector, it’s our responsibility to address this and champion the next generation of construction professionals. Teaching people a range of skills that are transferable into practical careers will ensure people have the proper foundations in this sector.
“We’re passionate about supporting local people in the areas we operate into employment, so it’s been a pleasure to work with Coventry College to boost skills in the region. There’s also the opportunity to secure a job with Lovell at the end of the course as everyone is guaranteed an interview, so we’re looking forward to seeing how everyone progresses.”
Lovell has a number of social value strategies committed to supporting young people in the region, including Built By You alongside Telford College and Telford & Wrekin Council. The recruitment and skills programme provides meaningful value to the communities in which Lovell builds while paving the way for future careers in the built environment. Lovell also launched its We’ve Got You initiative, aimed at helping young people with experience of care or homelessness to access training, safe and secure accommodation and career opportunities within the construction sector.
Emma Ingram, head employer engagement and careers lead at Coventry College, said: “Coventry College is fully committed to helping the Construction industry raise awareness & respond to regional skills gaps in the West Midlands – it is our pleasure to be working with Lovell to support with their recruitment of their multi-skilled roles.”
The Skills Bootcamp is open to those aged 19 or over, and is a free, flexible course. For more details, visit https://www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/courses/skills-bootcamp-multi-skills-property-maintenance-technician/