Mark Farrar launches groundbreaking project at Thames Gateway Forum

Mark Farrar, chief executive of ConstructionSkills, yesterday launched a London-wide project that is helping those with disabilities, or long term health conditions, to get into work in the construction industry.

NET Ambitions offers training, work placements and support to those with disabilities, or long term health conditions, with the aim of getting them back into work in construction and associated industries.

The project also aims to challenge the misperceptions and stereotypical ideas held about disabled people within the industry.

At the Thames Gateway Forum, London employers gathered to hear Mark give an overview of the project. He said: “As Chief Executive of ConstructionSkills, I am delighted that this project is up and running – because it comes at a time when we need to ensure we have a diverse range of people coming into our industry.

“We can’t avoid the talk about the recession, slowdown, downturn and credit crunch, but the industry still needs to deliver numerous major projects over the coming years.

“When the stronger growth returns, we need to be ready to respond to the upturn with enough qualified and skilled people in our industry to deliver these projects.

“Construction is a great British industry; it is rewarding and does not discriminate. There are plenty of career opportunities available for everyone, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or disability.”

Lakehouse representatives were also on hand to answer questions on the benefits of such a programme for employers. Lakehouse has taken on some of the first people to come through the scheme, including James Wilson, 19, from Newham, who is deaf. He recently completed a month’s work placement and hopes to go on to work on site.

James said: “When I finished college I was struggling to find a job. I was pointed towards NET Ambitions, and they were really helpful.

“They gave me some basic training, including health and safety, so I could work on site. I went to work for Lakehouse, keeping the site safe and clean. I’m going to get my CSCS card and undertake other training so I can get more work. I’m interested in fork lift truck driving – though ultimately I’d like to work my way up to site manager.”

NETAmbitions is open to anyone with a disability or long term health condition who would like to work in the construction industry, particularly anyone who may have been injured or developed health problems in construction and would now like to retrain or return to the area of work.

Not everyone will be ‘building’ in the usual sense – there will be opportunities for all types of work in the construction sector, including site logistics and professional roles. 

The scheme is also supported by the London Development Agency, the Mayor of London’s agency for driving sustainable economic growth, Olympic Delivery Authority, City of London, Jobcentreplus and Westfield, among others.

Ends

Media enquiries: Sara McKinnon in the ConstructionSkills press office on 0300 4565401 or sara.mckinnon@cskills.org

Photo caption: James Wilson, pictured with Maria Sheppard from Net Ambitions who has helped James find training to get into construction.