College opens up new '˜digger school' scheme

BUDDING young construction workers have been given the chance to find skilled employment within five months.
Partners and employers at the initial briefing for the CETC - 'digger school'Partners and employers at the initial briefing for the CETC - 'digger school'
Partners and employers at the initial briefing for the CETC - 'digger school'

The Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) is running a civil engineering and groundworks apprenticeship, which has been nicknamed ‘Digger School’.

The apprenticeship is targeted at preparing young people and adults for a career in civil engineering and building.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Digger School’ is being supported by 13 construction companies – with the course specifically designed to teach apprentices all the skills they need for life in the construction industry.

Every successful apprentice will be offered a full-time permanent position at the end of their apprenticeship.

Fareham College, which has organised the scheme, says that there is a real need for construction companies to access young, full-time employees who already have all the key skills needed.

Cara Phistleton from the college said: ‘There is an urgent need for trained, skilled young workers at the moment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The students will get really well-grounded teaching, and will leave with the certainty of employment.’

Mark Wells, chairman of the SCEEG, says that the scheme is really important for construction companies across Hampshire.

He said: ‘This scheme will create around 180 jobs each year.

‘It is a great opportunity for young people, but also for adults who are looking to retrain or gain additional bespoke training.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I can’t stress enough how good it is to have young people go straight into employment with so many skills at their disposal.

‘In the next three years, the construction industry is going to boom, but at the same time – according to research from the Solent LEP – there is a major skills shortage.

‘What we need is to have as many people sign up for the scheme as possible, because this is an enormous opportunity for people.

‘School leavers, college and university graduates and adults from all walks of life are welcome.’

For more information on the CETC ‘Digger School’ scheme, go to fareham.ac.uk/courses/cega/.