J21 helps build construction skills closer to home

Essential skills in Rochdale’s construction industry can now be assessed in the North West thanks to J21, the labour-into-construction initiative.

Until recently, construction site managers in the North West who wanted to be assessed to NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management, or gain their Senior Manager CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card had to travel to Leeds.

J21, funded by the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Oldham and Rochdale Councils, has worked with Construction Training Consultancy (CTC) from Mossley, Oldham so they can be accredited to assess candidates to NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management. CTC had recognised the need amongst the industry locally.

CTC's Managing Director Karl Drane said: “The qualifications are delivered with a flexible and tailored approach to each candidate, responsive to employees and employers needs. We are very pleased to offer an effective and convenient service for construction managers, boosting skills for local companies.”

Two people who have gained from the development are Mike Castree and Tony Mayers who work for builders Jackson Jackson & Sons, based in Rochdale. They are the first managers in the North West to achieve the qualification in the region and two of only 27 people to gain the award nationally this year.

Mike Castree said: “At the beginning the task seemed to be a little daunting, but the whole process was made both interesting and enjoyable. My mentor explained each stage in detail, which made the process of gathering evidence easier to understand and much more straightforward.”

Tony Mayers added: “CTC managed the whole process very professionally. I found the experience really interesting, and with the support from my mentor it was much easier to complete than I’d expected it to be.”

Jackson & Jackson have a deserved reputation for investing in the skills of their workforce, enabling their staff to do the job effectively and quickly. Jackson Jackson & Sons won the Greater Manchester Employer Coalition Award for Positive Change Management 2009, beating the Co-op and the Trafford Centre.

Robert Lynch from J21 said: “We are very pleased to have supported this important development for the building trade in Oldham and Rochdale, and for the North West. J21 is helping local companies to strengthen the industry, which is good for jobs and skills in the local economy.”