Easington Young People Set to Benefit from Pioneering Project
Young people currently excluded from traditional routes to work in the construction industry, are to begin a pioneering project, Easington Youthbuild, this week.
Easington Youthbuild provides the opportunity for young people to renovate derelict and empty properties in their local community, whilst receiving expert guidance and training from experienced tradespeople.
In addition to the construction skills training, the trainees are supported through Centrepoint’s award winning Support and Development Approach, which includes learning life skills through Centrepoint Lifewise – an accredited life skills package, and will be offered help with numeracy and literacy skills, from Acumen Development Trust.
This week twelve young people will begin their training and amongst them is 17 year old Jade Howell, from Wingate, who has always wanted to work in construction and whose aim is “to be the best bricklayer in the North East!”.
Youthbuild Project Manager Karen Hyrons said: “This project provides a fantastic opportunity to those previously unable to access this type of high quality, hands-on construction training.
“The trainees are able to try various trades such as plumbing, plastering, tiling, joinery and bricklaying and will receive recognised qualifications to enable them to progress in their careers.”
Upon completion, the renovated properties will then be rented to homeless young people aged between 16-25 at an affordable rent. The young tenants will also receive support and development and lifeskills training to help them to adjust to independent living and to become good tenants.
Neil Bellerby, Deputy Director of Services at Centrepoint says: “The Youthbuild project is a fantastic opportunity not only for young people to gain skills in construction but it will also support them to build positive relationships, expand social and life skills and develop the confidence needed for independent living.”
Easington Youthbuild is a partnership between Accent Housing, Acumen Development Trust and Centrepoint, the leading youth homelessness charity, and is supported by Easington District Council and Horden, Easington Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and CRASH. The Esh Group has recently signed up as the construction industry partner for the first refurbishment.
For further information about the project contact Karen Hyrons or Helen Simpson on 0191 518 8810.