To mark the conclusion of National Careers Week, Harlow College ran a skills masterclass at the new Construction Skills Centre in the Pinnacles.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) students took part in various activities including a careers card challenge, an Apprenticeship presentation by Sales and Relationship Manager Gary Salisbury and a hands-on pipe fitting exercise.

To address the skills shortage in the construction industry, the new Site is at the forefront of training local young people to develop the skills for their career in construction. Most principal contractors and major house builders require construction workers on their sites to hold a valid CSCS card in the UK.

Among those attending the event were Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, Michael Beard, Head of Communications and Engagement at Public Health England, Martin John, Director of PHE Science Hub and Graeme Howard from VolkerFitzpatrick, one of the principal contractors for the PHE site. 

Robert Halfon, speaking about the Construction Skills Centre and how it trains young people for their future careers, said: “I’m incredibly excited. It’s National Careers Week and this Construction Centre, supported by Public Health England, is going to transform the town. Young people are being given skills and training in construction and are taught how to find jobs. 

“My passion is education and skills and a place like this gets young people onto the ladder of opportunity. They get the training and the jobs they need and this is what we should be doing, not just in Harlow but across the country.”

Tom, 26, from Waltham Abbey, is currently studying at the Centre for his CSCS card. “My advice to a young person starting their career journey would be to take their time in deciding exactly what they want to do and to ask as many questions as possible. You might find a job you never knew existed which might really suit you. In a world with so many opportunities, to be multi-skilled can be a great asset. You will learn transferable skills that you can take into everyday life.”

Emma Webber, Construction Skills Fund Project Coordinator, spoke about the Centre’s mission to get learners onto strong career paths. “We’re very passionate about the training we deliver at the Centre. The focus is about getting learners their CSCS card with a view to securing full-time employment and helping them to upskill within the construction industry.”