25 - Dudley’s major milestone in helping people back to work

 

The Building Essential Skills for Construction Trades (BEST) project has provided training and support to get people into jobs on local construction projects.

 

The scheme, co-ordinated by Future Skills Dudley has, over the past four years, found jobs for 555 trainees, supported 557 people into work, recruited 1,657 trainees and helped 1,092 people gain qualifications.

 

 

“This project has been a tremendous success, putting thousands of people back to work.

 

“There is a wealth of skills in Dudley and this taps into that to help regenerate the borough.”

 

Dudley Council led the project, working in partnership with business initiative Think Local and Future Skills Sandwell at Sandwell Council, Construction Employment Alliance at Birmingham Council and DORCAS housing association.

 

The four-year project was financed by development agency Advantage West Midlands. There are plans to set up a sub-regional programme, drawing on the success of the project, but bringing in other Black Country councils.

 

Future Skills Dudley continues to provide training for people at their various sites, which includes the BEST training centre at 2 Woods Lane, Brierley Hill, as part of the drive to get people back to work.