GBN supports skills initiative

A unique initiative set up to address the skills shortage in the construction sector has got off to a strong start with the help of GBN.

CWOATA, based in Harlow, Essex, is a company that puts candidates wishing to pursue a career in construction through a free, five-day training course. The course replicates what it is like to work on a construction site. It is not intended to train candidates but to give them the chance to decide if construction is for them.

The process enables those who complete the course to find employment while at the same time helping local construction firms source high quality trainees. This is particularly important because some of the youngsters who enter the profession decide that they are not cut out for it after a few days, creating a headache for their employers.

Since opening in June 2017, over 100 youngsters have successfully completed the course, fast-tracking their careers in construction.

CWOATA managing director Peter Hayward explained that GBN had helped make all this possible.

He said: “One of the key activities on our course is skip filling and emptying and we needed a skip. GBN jumped forward and not only gave us a skip but freshly painted it and delivered it to our site. They also supported us by being positive about what we were doing and getting the word out, which was invaluable.”

CWOATA, which stands for Construction Workforce Operative and Trainee Assessment, is highly valued and is already making a difference to the construction industry in and around Essex.

My Hayward said: “We have had incredibly good feedback from employers. There is nothing else like this that I know of. We think CWOATA is unique.”

He added: “In supporting us the way they have GBN are supporting the construction industry as well.”