A new organisation called Trades for Life has been put together in an attempt to help trainee plumbers, electricians, and renewable energy installers get their qualifications for jobs.
Trades for Life was founded in a response to adult learners who begin retraining as tradespeople, but have been unfortunate when it comes to getting jobs because they lack the NVQ level 2 qualification, that many employers these days look for.
The qualification requires the practical work to be accessed, however adult learners struggle because many of the training providers do not guarantee the opportunity to get hands-on experience, which these days can make a big difference.
Trades for Life, has been specifically set up to aid students (mainly mature students) complete the final part of their NVQ qualification in just three weeks time.
Director Jo Marriott said:
“We’re at a real turning point in the economy where there’s an opportunity to get Britain working again, particularly in the construction sector where output has risen in the first quarter of 2014. But sadly there is a ‘sleeping army’ of tradesmen out there, on the cusp of being ready to work but missing the final tick in the box.
“If we can give them the shot in the arm they need we have the opportunity to breathe new life into the construction sector and ensure the UK has a fully qualified workforce, poised to spring into action.”
Trades for Life will aim to also provide support for students once they have obtained their qualifications. This includes all the help needed with setting up their own businesses, networking, and workshops on topics such as tax returns, or new regulations.
The organisation was set up during this summer, and have managed to partner with the training provider ERR Limited to provide all the support needed to all of it’s students. So far it has helped around 35 learners complete their qualifications, and also giving them hands-on experience at The Grange development in Dunstable, which is where their work has been assessed.