Amos Builders continue to support young people into construction

Date added: 27/07/10

Amos Builders Ltd continue to support young people into construction. The small Halesowen based building company now employing 18 people have been fighting the tough times head on. They employed trainee Bricklayer Tom Jelf last September, who is working towards NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying.
Tom,17 from Oldbury is half way through his course and has been working alongside NVQ level 3 achiever Ryan Hannibal, who also completed his qualification with support from Amos Builders. Tom is progressing well at work and college, and feels he is increasing in trade knowledge and confidence, as the weeks go on.
Steve Amos, Director from Amos Builders stated he has always been behind getting young people into work, and see’s it as a worth while long term investment, as trainees are the future of the construction industry. Also Amos Builders has gained an excellent reputation along the years, for their quality of work domestic and commercial and there friendliness to clients which Steve believes trainees have contributed in building.
Amos Builders continues to work locally, and is looking at taking on another apprentice bricklayer, painter & decorator & a carpenter to support and train in September 2010.

Skills Opportunities for Trainees at Dartmouth Park

Date added: 27/07/2010

Mansells Construction recently embarked on the restoration of Dartmouth Park as part of the wider regeneration of West Bromwich town centre. Located between the Town Centre and Sandwell Valley the construction contractor, locally based at Stourbridge, began work in October 2009. Funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund in association with BIG Lottery under the Parks For People Programme the restoration is part of a £6.3 million project estimated to be completed by 2012.

Working in partnership with Think Local Construction of the Economic Regeneration and Skills Unit at Sandwell Council Mansells were keen to identify, and were supported in utilising, this opportunity to develop skills for local people. For the most recent phase of brickwork restoration two trainees were placed with Stoke on Trent based subcontractor A. Lench Building Contractors Ltd.

With Mansells and A. Lench Building Contractors respectively showing a willingness to support local people James, 18, and Harold, 45, both from Oldbury began work in June. James, currently working towards his NVQ Level 2 in Bricklaying at Future Skills Sandwell, has been able to utilise the placement to complete his course. Having experienced redundancy from a previous position at the end of 2009 James persevered and continued to exceed on his course working on short term projects organised by Think Local Construction and Future Skills Sandwell. He is thought of as one of the best bricklayers in his class. Mansells, under the supervision of Matt Wood at A.Lench Building Contractors, has provided James the opportunity to develop skills and evidence work in pointing, concreting and working with imperial bricks. James has receive excellent reviews and has been supported on site by mentor Kam Chumber of Think Local.

A further opportunity was identified for an Adult Labourer to be sourced by the Think Local 19+ Adult Programme. Harold was 14 months unemployed prior to registering with Think Local. This had severely knocked his confidence and self belief. He had 15 years experience working in warehouse and factory environments, yet he was keen to get into work in construction as it was something he had done when he was younger and he enjoyed working outdoors and with his hands. He had however found it difficult to find an employer who would be prepared to offer him the chance to build on his basic site knowledge and help him develop.

Despite his lack of recent experience, A.Lench offered Harold an opportunity. He successfully passed a work trial and is now employed assisting in the restoration of brickwork to the parks boundary walls. He has been chipping bricks, mixing cement, and carrying out a variety of general laboring duties to help the project run smoothly. His supervisor Matt Wood has been impressed with his reliability to date and it is his aim, with support by mentor Ed Cox at Think Local, to equip Harold with the skills and confidence to take into future employment within this sector after this placement.

Pictured left to right- Kam Chumber (Think Local), Ed Cox (Think Local), Matt Wood (A. Lench), James White (FSS apprentice), Mark Whittington (Mansells) and Harold Sawbridge (19+ Adult trainee)

Building Schools for the Future – Apprenticeships & Jobs

Date added: 25/05/05

Sandwell Councils Building Schools for the Future project has now started with an ongoing success of local apprentices taking their first steps into construction via the Councils ‘Think Local’ ethos, bringing a positive step to boosting the local economy.

Sandwell Council has hailed its partnership with the BSF LEP ‘ Building Futures’ Team lead by Interserve as a positive move to encouraging young Construction Apprentices into the industry.

To date the two Sample Schools Holly Lodge Smethwick and Rowley Regis have engaged with The Council’s Think Local Construction, employment and training brokerage facilitating the training and recruitment opportunities, taking on 7 Apprentices in Bricklaying, Carpentry for the first phase of the works, with other Apprentices being interviewed to start in finishing trades such as pastering and painting very soon.

Councillor Ann Shackleton, Sandwell's cabinet member for Employment & Skills, said: “It is encouraging to see apprenticeship training and job opportunities over the years will bring benefits to Sandwell – getting local people into training and work.”

Group Photo.
Front row left to right:
David Mould – Think Local Employment Officer, Lee Jones Apprentice representing Rowley Regis and Thomas Hickman Bricklayer/Labourer representing Holly Lodge BSF.
Second row: Karen Griffin SMBC Economic Regeneration & Skills, Cnllr Ann Shackleton, Edward Cox – Think Local Employment Officer, Therese Chapman, Interserve Site Office Manager.
Back; Steve Bull, LEP Programme Manager and John-Paul Allen, Interserve Project Manager

For more information, go to www.bsf.sandwell.gov.uk

Regeneration of Bromford Lane

Date added: 10/05/2010

Think Local Construction teamed up with Sandwell Homes and local contractors on the regeneration of Bromford Lane to offer local residents the opportunity to develop skills, experience and work towards qualifications in construction. The properties on Bromford Lane were transformed having new roofs, chimneys, windows, doors, rear garden fencing and front boundary walls installed whilst Future Skills Sandwell apprentices were able to continue to gather evidence for their NVQ portfolio's in their chosen trade area.

Five 19+ Adults were also offered opportunities to develop their site experience in demolition, re-pointing and general labouring duties as this external refurbishment work was undertaken. Trainees received mentoring support from Kam Chumber and Ed Cox (Think Local Construction, pictured) to ensure they made the most of their work placement and will provide further support to help them achieve their qualifications and gain sustainable employment within construction.

With support from Think Local two Adult trainees have since secured on-going employment within the industry. The project, endorsed by Councillor Anne Shackleton (pictured), proved challenging to trainees often working through adverse weather conditions but befitted enormously by working alongside experienced trades people from contractors Gillespie Contractors, Image Styles and Powar Builders. The contractors were impressed with the quality and application of trainees on site and how they have added value to the project that has gone someway to enhance their skills and improve their chances of gaining sustainable employment.

SPI npower Employer Recommendation

Date added: 28/04/2010

SPI npower Employer Recommendation

Following an undefined career path, starting as an army cadet, progressing into various short-term employment positions with limited opportunities for progression and future development, Lianne, a single mother, wanted to train towards a career that would achieve a recognised qualification to build a foundation for the future. Lianne, decided to set her aspirations on becoming an electrician. In essence, this sounded easier than it actually was, as the qualified route required being employed as an electrical apprentice.

As a mature student she found many setbacks to this and finally attended a workshop for women in construction promoted and facilitated by one of our clients, Sandwell Council’s, “Think Local Construction”, part of the Economic Regeneration and Skills Unit.

Lianne’s determination shows through, with enthusiasm and commitment to succeed and together with Think Local Construction approached local company’s for employment and enrolled on the Electrotechnical NVQ Level 3 course at Dudley College.

Following a 3 stage interview, Lianne was offered an apprenticeship with Superior Plumbing Installations Limited, now SPI Power. SPI very quickly became pleased with Lianne’s commitment and progress. She completed her Level 2, 2330-01, Technical Certificate at Dudley College gaining distinctions and credits throughout the award. The Level 3 2382-10 Technical Certificate was completed. At the time her manager, Russel Smith says that Lianne is one of the most promising electrical apprentices currently employed by SPI and if she continues to progress at college and in the workplace at her current rate, she will become an extremely valued employee of SPI.

Leanne has been employed by SPI on the decent Homes Project within the Sandwell Homes Partnership with Wates Living Space and Connaughts Construction.

Think Local Construction have commended Lianne on her dedication to complete her course work, whilst juggling a career and family life. She was presented with the Outstanding Achiever, Learning for Employment Award at Sandwell Skills and Learning Awards Event at West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

Richard Marsh, Lianne’s current manager, said at her last training review, “Lianne enjoys work and is always hard working, and very nearly ready to work on her own.

Lianne has now completed her Level 3 Technical Certificate and her NVQ and is waiting for her final certificates to confirm completion of her apprenticeship.

All of the electricians who have mentored Lianne say she is a very quick learner and a pleasure to work with and mentor.

John Hurst
GAS COMPLIANCE AND TECHNICAL TRAINING MANAGER

SPI npower

FEMALE PLASTERING APPRENTICE WORKING AT NEW WEST BROMWICH CREMATORIUM

Date added: 28/04/2010

Amanda Lemm is making her mark as the only woman on the plastering team at Sandwell Council's new crematorium in West Bromwich.

The 18 year-old from Charlomont Estate, West Bromwich is working on the £3.2million project thanks to an agreement with Think Local Construction to give young people valuable work experience on big council projects.

Amanda is also studying for her Level 2 NVQ with Future Skills Sandwell in Smethwick - where she is the first female trainee plasterer to take on the qualification.

Think Local Construction team and bereavement services manager Brendan Day worked with building contractor G F Tomlinson and sub-contractor Thomas Kelly Plastering Ltd to organise Amanda's one-month placement at the crematorium.

She is currently helping to refurbish the Enterprise Centre in Oldbury, doing work experience with a local builder and even helped plaster new flats in Smethwick last year. She has now secured a job with Taylor Woodrow, part of the Vinci group

Amanda said “it’s been a great experience, helping me to get the right training required”

GF Tomlinson site manager Phil Childs said: "We have had Amanda on site now for a number of weeks and she has adapted very quickly to the environment, showed a willingness to work and learn and is now very much part of the team."

G F Tomlinson Birmingham Ltd is building the crematorium for Sandwell Council. The landmark chapel building is now almost complete, with the new site due to open in the summer.

The old 1960s crematorium will then be carefully demolished once services move to the new buildings.

Rowley Regis Project Kicks off with Success

Date added: 02/02/2010

The Sandwell Futures (BSF) Project at Rowley Regis has its first break through with MPB ground works contractor who has employed 12 local people on site as Shuttering Carpenters and concreters. With this good news Think Local Construction part of Sandwell Councils Economic Regeneration & Skills Division brings every confidence that the Counci’s ethos of ‘Think Local’ does work.

The Council’s Think Local Construction, employment and training brokerage, will work with the Sandwell Futures Consortium and other Council partners to facilitate many of the training and recruitment opportunities, such as the 145 Apprenticeships to ensure that the Local Area Agreement indicators will be met and that Sandwell people are given the opportunity for new jobs created by the programmes at Rowley Regis and Holly Lodge.

Karen Griffin Construction Liaison Officer for Major Developments said “With success from on site employment opportunities from both Interserve and MPB Civils, we are looking to encourage other sub-contractors to give more opportunities for local people and apprentices”.

Paul Piddock – BSF Programme Director added: “With existing works on these two school programmes, this will definitely make steps towards a brighter future for Sandwell.”

1st Site Group Ltd - Daniel Marshall, Wednesbury Trainee

Date added: 16/12/2009

Having recently undertaken work experience with 1st Site Group and a genuine interest in Electrics. Dan Marshall started with the company as an apprentice Electrician 7 months ago.

Since starting work with the company Dan showed enthusiasm and eagerness towards his training and employment. His excellent communication skills with both customers and clients and outstanding progress helped him achieve his ambition. Which led to Dan being fast tracked through his probation period earlier than anticipated within after 5 months. Being eager and passionate and with a genuine interest Dan also passed his Health & Safety course.

Think Local Construction mentored Dan on site and good feedback was given to both parties by 1st Site Group Ltd. Dan was seen as a model trainee and made the most of the opportunity that was given.

Dan stated “He is enjoying the variety of work provided by 1st Site Group”

Hankinson Painting Group

Date added: 11/12/09

Hankinson Painting Group is a well established commercial painting company based in West Bromwich. The multi-award winning company is one of the UK’s leading Painting and Decorating Contractors on projects for Public and Private sector clients nationwide.

Having been based in West Bromwich for 13 years the company has always recruited locally but this year Chief Executive David Rosser was approached by Think Local Construction and teamed up to explore training and employment opportunities for 16-18 year old apprentices and 19+ trainees.

David Rosser, Chief Executive of Roy Hankinson (West Midlands) Limited " I have always been a supporter of Think Local, I think that all employers should make an effort to recruit from within their local area, after all there is a lot of potentially talented local labour just looking for the right opportunity”

Hankinson’s, undeterred by the challenging economic climate, seized the opportunity to interview several candidates and bring in 6 new operatives from Sandwell to work towards gaining NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Painting and Decorating.


Ed Cox – Sandwell MBC Training & Employment Officer (Think Local)- “credit must go to Hankinson’s for investing in local people despite operating in an industry feeling the pinch of a down turn. In taking on these trainees it is encouraging to see a local company supporting the Sandwell economy and recognising how it adds value to their business”.

The Think Local team worked closely in sourcing and providing suitable candidates. The achievement is made even more significant as 4 successful candidates were from the Think Local 19+ Adult programme, offering the opportunity for clients over the traditional apprentice age to gain recognised qualifications and develop a career in construction. David Rosser was pleased with the calibre of candidates from the outset- “ I have met with all the trainees and I am very pleased with their eagerness to make the right impression. At the interview stage they were asked about their future aspirations and bar none, they had all set their sights high to progress within the Company, I think we have just secured some of our future managers”.

New started Lee from Oldbury added - “being 27 I quickly realised it would be hard to get an apprenticeship, but luckily enough I found Think Local who helped me find this job. I absolutely love it here at Hankinson’s it such a great opportunity for me”.

These operatives are now studying at Future Skills Sandwell and Walsall College respectively. Martyn, Luke, Lee, Ainsley, Rhys and Daniel are starting out on the road to become qualified Painters and Decorators and are encouraged to make the most of their opportunity. Hankinson’s in turn are able to ensure their company are well placed as they look towards 2010 with optimism.

Massive Project Aims To Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use

Date added: 09/11/09

A massive project is being carried out to bring around 1,800 long-term empty homes in Sandwell back into use.

Sandwell Council is working with Urban Living to tackle the problem of empty properties in the Rood End and Uplands areas of Smethwick.

There are around 195 long-term empty homes in the two areas in that phase.

Empty homes can attract vandalism, fly-tipping and other forms of anti-social behaviour as well as reducing the value of the adjoining properties.

Empty properties are also a wasted resource and have the potential to adversely affect local housing markets.

It is now planned to bring the homes in Rood End and The Uplands back into use.

In April this year, Urban Living commissioned the Partnerships and Housing Directorate to deliver the Focused Intervention Project.

The project is being led by the area initiatives team, which is part of Private Sector Housing Services.

Sandwell Council’s Cabinet member for housing and neighbourhoods, Cllr Mahboob Hussain, said “This project will bring to the market properties that have been empty for many years and will create housing opportunities.”

One of the major elements of the project is to buy and improve 14 houses that have been empty for over six months. All of the houses are in need of major works to bring them up to date.

As well as bringing empty properties back into use, the area initiatives team is working in partnership with Think Local Construction (Part of the Economic Regeneration and Skills Division) to generate work experience placements for local people to gain qualifications and skills while working on the renovation project.

All of the building contractors working on this project are being recruited through the unique ‘finditinsandwell’ website set up by the Economic Regeneration and Skills Division and funded by Working Neighbourhood Funds.

Cllr Hussain added: ‘With the downturn in the construction industry suitable training placements are at a premium, this will allow trainees to gain valuable experience and to bridge the gap between education and paid employment.”

The improved houses will be marketed to ensure that key workers and their families working in the Urban Living area are given the opportunity to acquire a high quality, energy efficient and affordable home.

Cllr Hussain said “Although the recession presents challenging times for the housing market, there is still a need and demand for good quality, family sized houses in the borough.”

Building Futures Project

Date added: 22nd October

Think Local Construction has teamed up with Wates Living Space to deliver the Building Futures Project; aimed at helping unemployed residents with barriers back into employment.

The project, which was helped along by Sandwell Homes and the Decent Homes Programme, took place in August and gave a cross-section of people looking for a route back into employment hands-on experience in construction with taster days in bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, and painting and decorating.

Following the project, which took two weeks to complete, participants received certificates in manual handling and First Aid training, which they can include in CVs for job applications in the future.

Participants were taken on site visits to new build projects and refurbishments of council properties, which are being undertaken as part of the Decent Homes Programme, and learnt how to prepare for interviews, as well as developing effective interview techniques by taking part in real interviews with prospective employers.

Trainees from partner organisations also offered advice to participants in talks on the reality of training, wage expectations, and how to navigate the journey to where they are.

Suzanne Allen, senior training employment officer for Sandwell Council, said: “This project has given participants genuine, hands-on experience of what working in the construction industry is really like.

“We hope that the scheme will provide long term benefit to participants and we will be continuing to help them take steps towards getting into full time employment.”

For information on how Think Local Construction can help you please call 0121 569 3309.

Think Local Construction Working in Partnership with T & L Commercial Interior Ltd

Date added: 11/08/2009

T & L Commercial Interior Ltd a Tipton based company, have been in business since July 2008, the company specialises in Maintenance and Refurbishment work in Commercial Properties nationwide.

Having recently won a contract at Aston University in Birmingham they have taken on 5 skilled Painters and Decorators, 2 Tilers and are looking to start a Carpenter this week.

T & L Commercial Interior Ltd is the first company to take on 7 skilled tradespeople by using Think Local Construction since the downturn that has hit many local firms and is hoping the business will now flourish. They are very pro-active in taking on semi-skilled and skilled local people giving them job opportunities. All the tradespeople were pre-screened and identified on skills tailored to the company’s requirements and have been working for a few weeks now with hope the contact will be extended.

Clive Goulding stated, “I am glad I came to Think Local Construction and happy to be working for the T & L Commercial Interior Ltd. It is a faster service”.

Pictured above (in no particular order): Lee Watts and Tom Billingham owners of T & L Commercial Interior Ltd, Chris Easton; Lee Davies; Clive Goulding, Scott Goodgridge and Ramila Patel.

Wates Apprentice of the year for 2009

Date added: 05/08/2009

Local Carpentry apprentice, Mohammed Rais, beats off high competition to be awarded Wates Apprentice of the year for 2009.

Mohammed Rais from Tipton started with Future Skills Sandwell in July 2007, and soon after gained employment with large contractor Wates Living Space.

During his first two years with Wates, Mohammed assisted in the local maintenance of Sandwell Homes properties, which included re-fitting kitchens, hanging new doors as well as boxing in pipes to name a few.

Mohammed being the eager budding carpenter he is had maintained an excellent time keeping and attendance record. He also gained a reputation amongst his colleagues and customers for being polite, reliable and hardworking.

Due to these reasons, when the Apprentice of the year nominations came round, John Atkins, Mohammed’s supervisor had decided to submit Mohammed for the running.
With no surprise, Mohammed won the accolade and modestly took his award.

Mohammed stated “I am very happy wining the award, and really did not expect it.”

John Atkins commented “Mohammed is always willing to help with any jobs given, he is very polite and courteous to all customers and I feel very confident that Mohammed has a good future ahead in carpentry.”

Mel Littler, Mohammed’s Site Manager stated “Mohammed has done brilliantly, and it’s down to him listening and taking a lot of interest in the work”. “Mohammed is a model apprentice.”

Mohammed has since completed his NVQ Level 2 in carpentry and is continuing down his carpentry career path with Wates.

Raising construction awareness at RSA Tipton Academy

Date added: 26th June 20

Think Local Construction and Future Skills Sandwell team up to support Wilmot Dixon in raising awareness of the construction industry at the RSA Tipton academy. The afternoon began with short briefs on staff development and the ideas of wide range of employment opportunities within the construction industry in this profession.

The children that took part in the activities showed understanding and interest in the subject. It was good to see young people enjoying the work that was introduced. The new academy building is under construction by Willmot Dixon at the back of the school; the children have observed this and have taken an interest in its development. The children had participated in workshops with Willmot Dixon, in line with the development and activities of the site.

On the day SMBC provided the net bus, this bus contains eight computers for the pupils to use. The computers contained the CSCS Health and safety test and internet access. They learnt about different skills that construction requires, of different jobs such as architecture, design, HR, sales etc. The children were also shown illustrations of buildings that Willmott Dixon had constructed illustrating the wide range of developments undergone. Overall the day to the school was very enjoyable and very successful. It assisted in creating a pathway for these children to consider construction and the diverse range of employment and training opportunities to consider in their career choices.