City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative called Construction York, to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth.
The city about to embark on several key housing developments, plus retrofitting work needed to hit carbon reduction targets, there will be an increasing number of opportunities for skilled construction workers in the York area.
This initiative aims to ensure local residents are able to take full advantage of these opportunities, and can access training needed to meet employers’ skills requirements.
The council is working with leading social value enterprise CHY to manage the collaborative design, development and implementation of Construction York during its first phase from June 2024 to March 2025.
Construction York aims to equip York residents with relevant skills, qualifications and experience to progress in construction, particularly those from disadvantaged, underrepresented and underemployed groups.
The initiative will provide advice and guidance on future employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities and developing clear routes to well-paid, sustainable employment for people at every stage in their construction career, as well as improved access to opportunities across York’s development and construction activity.
By connecting individuals, training providers, community organisations and employers, the scheme hopes to address current skills gaps and boost local employment.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council, said: “It was the right decision to get behind Construction York and we continue to work with partners to help connect York residents to well paid jobs in the construction industry.
“It is really important that we maximise job opportunities for local people while closing the skills gap that exists in the region.
“We have a lot of work to be getting on with, including various sites across the city, York Central and the imminent adoption of the Local Plan.
“Our vision is that when people look down over York from a vantage point like Severus Hill they see it as teeming with opportunity for them, their friends and families.”
