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Flintshire and Wates continue to Build Futures

Published: 20/08/2018

Local jobseekers have been given another career kick-start with national developer, Wates Residential, as part of Flintshire County Council’s programme to build 500 brand new homes across the county.

This intensive two-week training course, being run for the third time, has seen 38 local people take part in Wates’ national Building Futures programme.

Candidates were recruited through Flintshire’s Communities for Work Plus programme which works with people who face the greatest barriers to becoming employable.

The training programme comprised construction skills trade sessions, including joinery and maintenance as well as CV and interview workshops with Wates Residential and its supply chain partners. Each candidate also received a certificate at an award ceremony at the end of the two week course.

During the course candidates also joined Wates on the site of the former Melrose Centre in Shotton where the developer is currently building five 2-bed houses and four 1 and 2 bed apartments as part of Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Partnership (SHARP).

The delivery of Building Futures forms part of Wates Residential’s role as lead developer for SHARP, which will see the creation of 500 news homes across Flintshire in the next five years.

Flintshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Bernie Attridge, said:

“Flintshire County Council is facilitating the introduction of more apprenticeships in the county, especially in construction.  This development is a strategic priority for the Council – maximising the benefits of capital projects such as our housing programmes which will see £100m invested over 5 years.”

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, who presented the awards, said:

“On behalf of Flintshire County Council, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the first step and completing this programme.  You all turned up every day and you have achieved the qualifications.  We need people like you and there are lots of opportunities for you to build on what you have achieved so far.”

Richard Shroll, Managing Director of Wates Residential North, commented:

“Now in its fourth year, Flintshire’s SHARP programme is bringing vital new homes to the county and since day one of our partnership with Flintshire Council we have worked together to ensure this important work benefits local people.

“We have delivered a number of successful Building Futures programmes across Flintshire, each one tailored to inspire local jobseekers, nurture their skills and help them take those important first steps into a future career in construction.”

Accredited by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Building Futures rewards candidates with a QCF Level 1 Award in Construction and a CSCS registration to help secure future training and work experience on building sites.

Pictured: Students, Wates Residential North and Flintshire County Council's Communities for Work Plus