The company behind the development of Woodsmith Mine has joined forces with training provider Construction Skills Village and Scarborough Job Centre Plus to support a series of bespoke training and employment programmes aimed at local people.
The scheme is open to people across the Borough of Scarborough and is set to equip school leavers, ex-military personnel and the unemployed with the skills needed to apply for construction operative roles with Sirius Minerals’ contractors, and opportunities in the wider construction industry. It is also open to individuals who would like to develop their existing skill set.
Individuals will work towards an industry recognised qualification in construction operations and will gain a CSCS card, as well as undertaking various practical construction and health and safety training.
Graham Ratcliffe, managing director at Construction Skills Village said: “Our intensive twelve-week general operative style courses will provide individuals with a range of industry skills that will be achieved through a blend of knowledge-based training, real site practical training and work experience, allowing participants to become more ‘job ready’.”
Partners in the scheme include a number of local providers, such as YH Training Services, Scarborough Jobmatch, North Yorkshire County Council, Guy Bentley Groundworks and Kebbell Developments, as well as a number of schools.
Sirius Minerals’ £3bn polyhalite project will involve the construction of the mine near Whitby with a 37km mineral transport tunnel to a processing plant and port at Teesside. It is set to create approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction, as well as training to support 300 local people into roles in preparation for mining operations.
“The company’s workforce will grow significantly in the coming months and years”, said Katie Brigham, recruitment, training and development officer for Sirius Minerals.
“Our contractors require workers with a range of construction skills during the development phase of our project and, where possible, we are committed to recruiting people from the local area. It is our priority to generate an awareness of the careers that we will offer and to help boost the skills and aspirations of people in the area.”
To enrol, or for further information, contact info@skills-village.co.uk or visit skills-village.co.uk