5,000 people now in work under project
The milestone was reached when Blackpool Build Up student Owen O’Rourke was employed by sub-contractor AJ Woods .
He has joined the groundwork team on the new Lancashire Constabulary Western Division Headquarters project, currently being developed by Willmott Dixon at Clifton Road, Marton.
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Hide AdThe 23-year-old, from South Shore, Blackpool, said it had been his long-term goal to follow a career in the construction industry – and Blackpool Build Up had made his dreams a reality.
He added: “I was put in touch with Build Up by the Jobcentre in February and was put on a fast track programme so when the opportunity came up with A J Woods they put me forward for the job and I was on site by March. It was amazing.”
Blackpool Build Up is a unique training programme run by B&FC, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and local employers. S
et up in 2008, the programme targets unemployed adults from the Fylde Coast area and provides hands-on training in construction skills, as well as developing employability techniques.
Ruth Peri, Head of Construction at B&FC, added: “This project has been recognised nationally as providing real opportunities for people who otherwise might not have had them .”