Construction for Merseyside initiative
Construction for Merseyside Ltd (CfM) is a partnership of public and private sector agencies and interests established to:
- Assist the construction industry on Merseyside to become more competitive
- Create and extend opportunities for local people gain the skills needed to secure sustainable employment in construction.
It does so through a range of approaches, including:
- Helping employers to obtain CSCS or equivalents for site-based employees
- Facilitating access by employers to funding for training at all levels, to enhance the skills of the workforce
- Providing a fast, free recruitment service
- Matching the needs of potential employees needing training or site experience to suitable opportunities.
Outline details of initiative
Sector: Cross-sectoral within construction
Scope:CfM acts as delivery arm of Merseyside Construction Initiative, working with developers, industry employers, the public sector and training providers to create the construction workforce needed in the region.
Structure: Dedicated staff team, with a Board of private sector developers and public agencies.
Workforce Development Programme
Target communities: Local people, through supporting the needs of the employer.
Target skills/abilities to be developed:All key trades – CfM liaises with client organisations, industry employers and planning authorities to assess skills needs
Target levels of qualification to be achieved: CSCS/CPCS cards; NVQ levels 2/3; generally to be fully employable and ‘site-ready’
Target numbers to be involved: 2,500 recruits to industry per annum
Partners / stakeholders: Greater Merseyside Local Authorities; The Mersey Partnership; Business Link GM; LSC; ConstructionSkills; ConneXions; training providers
Implementation – approach, methodology
Overall strategy
- Requesting developers / client bodies to sign the Merseyside Construction Charter upon submitting a major planning application, requiring them to cascade training agreements throughout the contract chain.
- Persuading employers to take on apprentices or offer work placements by committing to the Merseyside Construction Training Agreement
- Achieving sustainable employment through a business-by-business rather than a project approach
Monitoring, enforcement:
CfM monitors: Signatories to the Construction Charter; Compliance with training agreements
For further information contact:
Construction for Merseyside Ltd
c/o 2020 Liverpool Ltd
West House, Mercury Court
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
T: 0151 237 4280
F: 0151 237 4270
E:gjones@cfm-ltd.uk.com