New on-site training hub helps unemployed youth start careers in construction

Twelve previously unemployed young people have graduated from a new on-site training hub designed to help more young Brummies start new high-quality jobs in construction.

The new hub provides learners with access to practical, real-world training that’s delivered on-site, as well as guaranteed job interviews with employers including Sisk, Berkeley Homes, Fortel and MPB Structures.

The on-site training is being delivered at a new, innovative training facility within the Smithfield development, a £1.9bn regeneration project to transform the city centre – a joint venture undertaken by Birmingham City Council and Lendlease.

By gaining access to the on-site training, learners will learn practical skills and real world experience that will give them a competitive edge and confidence when starting their new roles.

Learns who have graduated from the on-site training hub with Cllr Mariam Khan

The new hub is operated by the Skills Centre, supported by Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, Construction Industry Training Board, Department for Work and Pensions, Fortel, Hilti, On the Tools, and Sunbelt Rentals, as part of the Building Birmingham Skills Partnership.

The training and support into jobs is delivered by The Skills Centre, one of the UK’s leading construction training organisations, which has been developing young people and supporting them into jobs in construction across the West Midlands, since 2023.

The level of investment and demand for construction skills in Birmingham has driven demand for the scheme, as construction employers seek to recruit newly skilled workers for various developments in the city.

The new training hub will be well placed to support the regeneration of Digbeth, which is surrounded by up to around £11bn of planned investment in infrastructure and major development over the next decade, including Smithfield, the Sports Quarter, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter and HS2 Curzon Street Station.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all the young people taking their first steps into exciting careers in construction. Your hard work and determination are inspiring, and I wish you every success as you embark on this exciting new journey.

“This initiative is creating real skills and development opportunities for young people across Birmingham, helping them build sustainable, high-quality careers. With the incredible investment and development we are seeing across our city, we have a chance to reduce unemployment, support, and nurture local talent into rewarding and fulfilling careers. This partnership is instrumental in shaping our next generation of construction professionals.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

“The Smithfield development provides a fantastic opportunity for people in the region to get involved in building the future.

“Initiatives like this show how we can tackle unemployment, support business and build vibrant new communities that people feel connected to and proud of – all key goals in my Growth Plan.  

“By working together in this way, we can help people land quality jobs and rewarding careers, and these young people will be able to point to Smithfield in the years ahead and say ‘I built that’.”

Cllr Mariam Khan Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care for Birmingham City Council presented the first cohort of graduates from the hub with a certificate at an event held on the site of the Smithfield Development. She said:

“It is essential that investment in the city is also an investment in the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands, and that's why the launch of the skills hub here in the heart of the city centre is not only celebrating our commitment to partnership working to deliver more jobs and skills for the city but also a celebration of our first cohort of graduates ”

Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, said:

“This is a powerful, forward-thinking partnership, that is creating some terrific opportunities for many young, local people to undergo free training and gain access to exciting, sustainable and rewarding careers in construction.”

Lung Ly, a learner who had already received training at an on-site training hub spoke about how a scheme helped him:

“This is a good platform for any beginner who wants to get into construction, it has equipped me with all the fundamentals.

“Without this training I think I would have been a lost soul not knowing what direction I wanted to go in. it was an absolutely great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking to get into construction.”

Fortel is the largest supplier of agency labour to the UK construction industry and are one of the sponsors of the training hub. Tej Nijjer, Head of Major Infrastructure at Fortel, said:

“As a local employer, we recognise the importance of fostering opportunities for young people who are currently unemployed, providing them with both training opportunities and creating a pathway to meaningful careers. With numerous projects underway across Birmingham and the West Midlands, including HS2, we are committed to cultivating local talent and contributing to the region’s growth.

“We collaborate closely with the skills centre and industry partners to ensure more young people can access these programmes and embark on rewarding professional journeys.”