Twelve care experienced young people from Knowsley recently had the opportunity to learn new practical DIY skills as part of an initiative with Construction Cares, GMI Construction’s social impact programme.
The initiative was developed through Knowsley Council’s commitment to ensuring major construction developments across the Borough create meaningful opportunities for local residents, supported by Fusion21.
Fusion21 work with developers, contractors and local partners to maximise the impact generated through construction activity, and this programme is a great example of that collaborative approach.
The young people had the opportunity to learn a range of new skills during the two-day course at the Knowsley College IAMTech campus in Huyton.
The care experienced people, who are preparing to move into their first homes, had the opportunity to try practical home maintenance skills, including painting, brickwork, basic plumbing and electrical safety. The event also offered participants the opportunity to meet trade professionals from GMI Construction and learn about potential careers in the industry.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, with all learners reporting that they felt more confident to take on DIY tasks and had enjoyed learning alongside both their peers and skilled trade professionals. Painting and decorating and brickwork proved to be particular highlights. Over the course of the two days, learners grew in confidence, embracing every practical learning opportunity with enthusiasm and a willingness to try new skills.
Construction Cares from GMI construction works alongside the construction industry to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people, helping them to build confidence, develop skills and access employment, training and wider opportunities. Their work plays an important role in creating positive pathways for young people who may face additional barriers as they move into adulthood.
The initiative was supported by Knowsley Council’s Care Experienced Team, GMI Construction, Knowsley Community College and Fusion21.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I would like to thank GMI Construction Cares, Knowsley Community College, our partner organisations and everyone involved in planning and delivering the event. The two-day event provided a valuable opportunity for young people to learn more about careers in construction, engage with industry professionals and gain insight into the opportunities available within the sector.
“The young people thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity, taking away new skills, increased confidence and a greater understanding of the pathways available to them. The event also helped them to explore future learning, training and employment opportunities, supporting them to make informed choices about their next steps.
“Events such as this demonstrate the value of partnership working and our shared commitment to supporting care experienced young people to explore their ambitions and achieve their potential. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a positive and worthwhile experience for our young people.”
James Bruce, Senior responsible Business Partner – GMI Construction said: “It has been fantastic to deliver our first Construction Cares DIY Workshop in Knowsley. Seeing all the learners commit themselves, work incredibly hard throughout the programme, and take positive steps towards their future has been inspiring. This workshop is a great example of what can be achieved when industry, education and local partners come together with a shared purpose. At GMI, our commitment doesn’t end here and we’ll continue to support these learners on their next steps, helping them build the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to progress into further training and employment.”
St Helens College & Knowsley Community College Commercial Director Julia Callaghan said: “We were delighted to partner with Construction Cares to host such a worthwhile event. The College is deeply committed to supporting young people within all our communities and providing opportunities for them to explore new career pathways. As a college offering a broad range of construction qualifications, we have the expertise to encourage and inspire young people to consider careers in construction. This initiative focused on confidence building and exposing young people to the possibilities that learning new skills in construction can bring. Providing the opportunity for young people to try different practical DIY tasks at the IAMTech campus was the ideal way to ignite that interest.”