Efficiency North Chief Executive, Lee Parkinson, turned the first turf on the building site for EN:Able Futures new on-site construction skills hub situated on Wawne Road in Hull.
The Humber Construction Hub is funded through the CITB’s Construction Skills Fund, the Government’s £22m initiative to set up 26 on-site construction skills training centres to help tackle the construction skills shortage in England.
Lee Parkinson said: “I’m really pleased to witness the start of the development of the Humber Construction Hub facility. It’s an innovative project that will give local people from the Humber a taste of what working on a real construction site is like, and the key skills they will need to pursue successful careers in an industry that is crying out for skilled workers.”
The lead contractor developing the site is Excel Modular Buildings, a local family run business that will provide anti-vandalism modular buildings for use as offices and canteens. Dennis Waller, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be working on a project that is all about getting local people in the area ready to work in construction.”
Another local family run business has been sub-contracted to provide the groundwork infrastructure. Daniel Roche, Director of M.B.Roche & Sons said: “It’s great being involved in a project like this because it gives our apprentices, who are all local people, including ex-offenders and ex-military personal, invaluable hands on experience of groundworks like drainage and concreting.”
Once completed The Humber Construction Hub will operate for ten years and provide on-site training to support people in Hull and the South Bank who want to join the industry, particularly adult learners and the long-term unemployed.
In order to provide comprehensive training and enrichment to every learner that comes through the Humber Construction Hub, we are asking for the support of local businesses by asking for donations of tools, materials and equipment that can facilitate classes. Items currently on the Hub’s wish list include: two shipping containers/cabins to be used for painting, decorating and plastering classes, PPE, and a cement mixer. Any support provided will be promoted by EN:Able Futures to our network and the wider public. If your business would like to get involved please contact Nigel Hollington, Hub Site Manager, on 07884 589151.
Regular updates on the site’s development will be posted on twitter @ ENAbleFutures so watch this space for regular updates. A grand opening celebration for the completed site is being planned for September 2019.
Pictured from left to right: Julie Deeley - Head of Operations for EN:Able Futures CIC, Daniel Roche - Director of M.B.Roche & Sons, Lee Parkinson – Chief Executive of Efficiency North, Dennis Waller, Managing Director of Excel Modular Buildings and Nigel Hollington – Humber Construction Hub Site Manager.