More than 40 Construction and Built Environment businesses in Wigan have received training as part of the unique public partnership. Training has included a series of long and short courses across different sectors including Health & Safety Awareness, Site Waste Management, and Estimating and Tendering.
The courses are being delivered by Wigan Council's Way to Work programme through funding provided by the Communities and Local Governments' Working Neighbourhoods Fund. Training also includes the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) which aims to give managers and supervisors the skills to effectively manage site personnel, sub-contractors, resources and customers, as well as being aware of their legal responsibilities.
Andy Walder, Director of the National Construction College, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Wigan Council to deliver this training to local businesses in the Construction and Built Environment sector. It is fantastic that the Council has recognised the importance of investing in the skills needs of local businesses, and can see the benefits of them undertaking training in the current climate.
“We worked alongside the CITB-ConstructionSkills local team from their nationwide business support service and the Council to identify which skills needs were of the most importance for local businesses and developed the training programme around this.”
Wigan Council recognised that in this challenging economic climate it is more important than ever that businesses continue to invest in training to ensure that they have the right skills to place them in the very best position to pitch for new contract opportunities in a constantly changing and fiercely competitive market.
Cllr David Molyneux, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and Cabinet Champion for Regeneration and the Environment said: "We are delighted to have helped so many Borough based businesses take advantage of this training opportunity.
“During these difficult economic times, it is important that businesses continue to be competitive and ensure that their staff have the correct skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible service. This is just one of the many excellent projects we have funded through our Way to Work programme and we are pleased to report yet another success."
Of the 43 businesses that have benefitted from the training, one such firm is Mint Joinery and Building Ltd, one of the North West's leading joinery and building services companies, and member of the Federation of Master Builders.
Janet Minto, Director at Mint Joinery and Building Ltd, said: “Our staff have undertaken a range of National Construction College training through this funded programme, and have found it to be very beneficial. In particular we have received a lot of positive feedback regarding the Building Foundations and Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme.
“Staff have gained additional knowledge and new skills which they have been able to put to practice in their roles, and has helped to increase the productivity of our business which is particularly important in the current climate.
“As a business undertaking the Management and Leadership Diagnostic Tool training has enabled us to consolidate our own thoughts on the management processes of our company and has helped to construct future plans and improve the efficiency of our business.”
The variety of courses the National Construction College has on offer provides a great opportunity to ensure your workforce is fully trained, helping your business to thrive in these times of economic uncertainty.
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