Feltham Construction delivers an Employment and Skills Plan to boost training and opportunity
Over the past year, Feltham Construction has been building two new warehouses in Weyhill for J Chandler and Co (Buckfast) Ltd, while also opening up valuable opportunities for college students and apprentices to gain real-world experience through an Employment and Skills Plan agreed with Test Valley Borough Council.
The Employment and Skills Plan led Feltham Construction to partner with Andover College, creating a range of opportunities for students to engage with the project. Students visited the site on several occasions, including to watch the process of pouring concrete floors in the new warehouses and see first-hand how a large-scale build is delivered.
Two college students also completed a week’s work experience, taking part in practical tasks such as calculating the length of skirting board required for the build. In addition, Feltham Construction visited the college to speak with construction students and support their careers fair.
The build also provided opportunities for three groundworks apprentices, one roofing apprentice, two scaffolding apprentices and two plumbing apprentices to develop their skills and gain valuable on-site experience.
Employment and Skills Plans now require companies to include sustainability or green skills training. During the course of this build, a significant number of Feltham employees attended sustainability training which help to contribute towards supporting more sustainable construction practices.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North said: “Although this was a relatively quick and small-scale build, it has made a meaningful difference for Andover students and local apprentices.
“It is more important than ever that young people have the opportunity to experience real working environments as they develop skills for their future careers.”
Charlton and Pentons ward Councillor Linda Lashbrook said: “It is encouraging to see local development projects creating opportunities for young people and apprentices to gain valuable hands-on experience.
“Developments like this can bring wider benefits to our communities, and it is positive to see local businesses, education providers and construction companies working together to support the next generation of skilled workers.”
Vernon Robinson from Feltham Construction said: “Meeting the requirements of the Employment and Skills Plan involved a learning curve and a considerable amount of work.
“With support from the economic development team at Test Valley Borough Council, it has been a positive experience, and one that has given us a strong foundation for future projects.”