Workers find Kingsway opportunities thanks to J21

Angie Hough, J21; Jon Tree, Carillion; Ivano Bari, Peter Taylor; Bob Barber, J21

Construction workers are seizing the opportunities offered by the development of the Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale, thanks to labour into construction initiative, J21.

J21, funded by the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, has helped hundreds of people across both towns to find training and employment in the construction industry locally.

Two workers who have recently started on the Kingsway site with national contractor Carillion are Ivano Bari from Rochdale and Peter Taylor from Chadderton.

Ivano, now working as a Chain Lad, first registered with J21 in December 2007 while studying for an HND in Construction at Oldham College. J21 funded Ivano’s Construction Skills Certification Scheme card and put him forward for the vacancy at Kingsway.

Ivano said: “Working here is a great first step. I’m assisting site engineers and getting to know all about how a construction site works. I’m enjoying working on the site. After spending time at University Centre Oldham and completing my HND in Construction, it’s an ideal job for me to get some practical experience.

“In the future I want to train to be a Building Surveyor. J21 has been a fantastic help."

Peter Taylor was seeking a labouring or construction administration job when he made contact with J21 earlier this year. With J21’s support, Peter was taken on as a Store Man with Carillion.

He explained: “J21 were outstanding and nothing was too much trouble. I’m really happy to be in my job as Storeman, and I’m grateful to all involved in helping me get to where I want to be.”

John Tree, Project Manager for Carillion Civils at Kingsway said: “Wherever possible, Carillion aims to recruit locally for Kingway Business Park. Working closely with J21, we’ve promoted employment within the local community by appointing local people, subcontractors and suppliers."

J21 Project Manager Bob Barber said: “We are very pleased to have enjoyed so much success in finding jobs and training for local employees, and helping to boost the construction skills across both boroughs. We’re very keen to help more people make the most of increasing opportunities in Oldham and Rochdale.”

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in construction can contact J21 on 01706 646471.