We were delighted to welcome the Welsh Government Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, to meet local young people taking their first steps into a career in the construction industry.

Our Get into Construction programme is ran in partnership with housing developer Lovell, Tirion Group and Cadwyn Housing Association. The Minister met young people during their work experience placement where they were learning practical skills with the help of the Lovell construction team building The Mill, Canton, a £100 million housing development and one of Wales’ largest urban regeneration programmes.

At the end of the programme, all successful candidates will have the chance to be interviewed for jobs and training opportunities with Lovell, the company’s subcontractor partners and shared apprenticeship scheme Y Prentis.

The Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James said:

By 2020 Wales will need 17,000 construction and building roles so attracting, nurturing and retaining skills talent to this important sector is vital for Wales’ economic growth. We are committed to encouraging more people, especially girls, to pursue careers within the construction sector.

"This scheme offers a great learning and development experience to everyone involved and the prospect of securing further employment and training opportunities at the end of it."

Kayleigh Nasir, 22,from Pentwyn, Cardiff, one of four young women taking part in The Trust’s programme, said:

I’ve always been interested in construction – my family work in construction – but I never had the opportunity to find out about construction careers at school. I’ve been unemployed for about 18 months and have tried hard to find a job. The Prince’s Trust course is a great chance for me. 

"I’m using the course to find out more about the different trades, such as carpentry and bricklaying, and what they involve and work out what will suit me best."

Lovell regional managing director Kate Rees said:

Seeing these young people starting to build their careers and discover the opportunities available in the construction industry is very exciting as well as a brilliant example of the important community benefits being created through this major housing development.

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