The new Drylining Academy pilot training course has been
developed by Barnet & Southgate College in partnership with
Conneely Drylining and Facades, and supported by the
Construction Industry Training Board. The Academy aims to meet
the high demand of highly skilled dryliners.
It is our objective to continue working and supporting our partners and stakeholders to explore how Barnet can support the Construction Sector, by pioneering such innovative and high- quality Employment, Education and Training offer.
The Drylining Academy was led by Re in partnership with Barnet & Southgate College, Conneely Drylining and Facades, Department for Work and Pensions, Construction Industry Training Board and St. George (part of The Berkeley Group).
A sector based work academy was created, introducing candidates to the drylining trade and equipping them with a vital CSCS card and employability skills. Candidates participated in initial screening sessions ensuring they met the programme’s eligibility criteria and that of the employer, Conneely Drylining and Facades.
Summary:
Partners selected 15 candidates who were all unemployed local residents and they began the course in January 2018. All candidates were guaranteed an interview upon successful completion and the possibility of working on a Barnet regeneration site.
Following the two-week course provided by Barnet & Southgate College at the Colindale Campus, candidates were assessed for their competence, attitude and qualifications gained. Ten candidates were offered apprenticeship placements. In fact, the employer was so impressed by the quality of learning and candidates that, one apprenticeship has been offered a supervisory placement, another Trainee Estimator and two more into other areas of work within the organisation.
Michael Cockerton, Finance Director said; “Both myself and Mark (Mark Hoey- Contract Director) were impressed with the calibre of candidates. Having been through similar processes on several occasions I can honestly say that the candidates that completed the programme and came to interview have been the best prepared, most presentable we have seen.”