FOUR young people have secured jobs in the construction sector following a new work experience programme provided by Balfour Beatty Living Places in partnership with West Sussex County Council.

The six-week course offered young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in education, employment or training, real-life work experience designed to prepare them for employment or an apprenticeship in their chosen field.

The programme covered a variety of capabilities and skills including leadership, first aid, construction site set up, risk assessments, and health and safety.

The young people also received regular mentoring from on-site Balfour Beatty Living Places construction workers.

They were given the opportunity to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card which provides official proof that the individual has the required construction training and qualifications for the type of work they are undertaking.

A CSCS card is required to work for most principal contractors and major house builders.

Of the young people who took part, two secured apprenticeships with Balfour Beatty Living Places, one obtained a full time position with a construction, property and engineering recruitment agency and another earned employment through a local provider, as a result of the Balfour Beatty Living Places training.

Stephen Hillier, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are always on the lookout for new opportunities for West Sussex young people and this was perfect.

“Those who took part were enthusiastic and proved that they deserved a chance.

“Their efforts speak for themselves as they overcame the stereotypes attached to poor educational attainment and four of them went on to secure paid employment.

“Our thanks go out to Balfour Beatty for providing this opportunity and we would encourage others to do the same to make our community stronger and fairer.”

Steve Phillips, contract director for Balfour Beatty Living Places, said: “We are pleased to be working with West Sussex County Council’s Children and Young People’s Service on an initiative which has successfully equipped local young people with the skills required to place them in long term employment.

“Together with our commitment to the on-going training of our workforce through Balfour Beatty’s membership of The 5% Club, an employer-led movement which champions investment in the next generation through workplace training, we will continue to enable our workforce to provide West Sussex’s local community with a pleasant environment to live and work.”

Balfour Beatty plc is a British multinational infrastructure group with capabilities in construction services, support services and infrastructure investments.

It finances, develops, builds and maintains the vital infrastructure that we all depend on.