Doncaster-based Keepmoat is one of a trio of businesses partnering with a Merseyside college to launch a plastering training academy.
Keepmoat is working with Sterling Plastering and Hugh Baird College to launch a bespoke training academy that will support young people into plastering apprenticeships, bolstering its commitment to bridge the nationwide construction skills gap.
It’s anticipated that 225,000 new construction workers are needed by 2027 in the UK, and this week the Government also announced that 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places will be made available every year through DoE funding.
The SPL Change Academy will offer Level 1 and Level 2 NVQ plastering courses, supported by tutors from Hugh Baird College. Peter Barlow, Keepmoat’s North West Regional MD, said: “It’s been brilliant to support the launch of the SPL Change Academy by providing a mock timber frame house.
“The Keepmoat team has also created a traditional working environment of closed rooms, where the students will carry out their training, in place of small open bays. The team is also set to deliver a series of site skills-focused employability sessions, in order to help bridge the gap between college and site work.”
Chris Cox, MD at Sterling Plastering adds: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with like-minded and local businesses to create our newly built 6,000 square foot warehouse-style unit to upskill young people across Merseyside to help guide future professionals in the trade.”
