Project Title: Building Futures

Project Description:
Building Futures is a collaborative Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) project and strategy development for the Tees Valley. The five local authorities in the Tees Valley are working strategically with key partners including Construction Skills (formerly CITB), Tees Valley Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus, the Further Education Colleges, in conjunction with FE Plus to develop employment initiatives to tackle unemployment in the sub region and region. Although not exclusively, the project has a particular focus on the construction skills sector, and Intermediate Labour Market activity.

The housing stock transfer within local authorities, the establishment of arms length companies (ALMO's) to manage the long-term refurbishment, new build and demolition of housing stock across the Tees Valley has identified a need to develop a strategy to meet the demand for skills in this sector.

The project will consist of pre and post training elements that will aid long term unemployed through a managed transitional route from training to ILM activity. This support package will be unique and complementary across the whole of the Tees Valley and will be tailored to suit the chosen sectorial activities as well as being devised alongside individuals learning needs. An assessment of skills and experiences will be undertaken at the outset to establish training requirements and this will aid with the Jobs Match service that will instigate the preparation for ILM transfer. Short focused skill workshops will be devised to up skill individuals and fast track them into activity with local colleges offering post training opportunities to continue within mainstream qualifications for sustainability and retention of employment. On going reviews of progress and interim assessments will be maintained throughout to support individuals through active participation.

The project will provide SME and employer support to improve safety and quality within industry, through promotion of and assistance towards gaining CSCS and worked based recorder and assessor training awards. The project will also include the development of a strategic approach across the Tees Valley to procurement to improve employment and training opportunities for local residents within major construction and development projects.

Lead Organisation (underlined) and Key Partners:
Hartlepool Borough Council, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Middlesbrough Borough Council, Stockton Borough Council, Darlington Borough Council, Construction Skills (formerly CITB), Tees Valley Learning and Skills Council, Job Centre Plus, Tees Valley FE Plus and employer partners.