Opportunity for local youngsters to lay their career foundations in Nuneaton

11th October 2010

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YOUNGSTERS in Camp Hill have been given the exciting opportunity to lay the foundations to their careers thanks to a new construction programme which is available in the area.

A C.A.M.S student being shown carpentry skills

Barratt Mercia which is building new homes at its Bluebell development on Queen Elizabeth Road, in conjunction with the Opportunities Centre, both in Camp Hill, have launched a new scheme for 14 year olds in the area called the Construction Award Multi Skills Programme (C.A.M.S).

The scheme is aimed at year 10 students who take the course as an additional curriculum opportunity alongside the traditional GCSEs. The two year course is designed for young people who wish to pursue a career in the construction industry and mixes theory with practice.

The first year of the scheme is classroom based, then in the second year, students don their hard hat and boots and take on work experience at Barratt's Bluebell development in Nuneaton. At the end of the two years, successful students will gain a Foundation Construction Award in Building Craft Occupations.

The scheme is currently running from the Opportunities Centre in Camp Hill and headed by Centre Manager, Nigel Bond. Nigel explained, "The C.A.M.S programme is an exciting opportunity for young people, male or female, interested in a career in the construction industry and is made possible through funding from Barratt Mercia.

"The course is delivered in the heart of the community and provides a technical qualification along with invaluable skills and experience. There may also be opportunities to progress through Barratt's apprenticeship programme."

Andrew Dauncey, Project Director at Barratt Mercia commented, "Training and skills development is crucial to the construction industry and we make a considerable investment every year to ensure that young talent is developed and nurtured.

"Therefore, I am delighted that we have been able to support this scheme which will enable youngsters in Camp Hill to develop invaluable skills for later life."

Chris Egan, Programme Manager for Pride in Camp Hill, which heads up the extensive regeneration of Camp Hill, said, "Skills and jobs are a crucial part of the Pride in Camp Hill Regeneration programme and it is great to see young people benefit from the training made available as a result of this major regeneration initiative".

Phil Roberts, Partnerships Director at AWM, said: "This is excellent news for Pride in Camp Hill, which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive regeneration projects in the Region and country - having won a position on this year's list of top 100 regeneration projects nationally.

"The way the regeneration activity links in with the community sets a real example for how agencies should view social and economic regeneration.

"The enthusiasm and passion of Nuneaton is exceptional and everybody who has been involved in the regeneration of Camp Hill should be congratulated for their efforts."

There are still places available for this years programme. For more information, please call Nigel Bond at the Opportunities Centre on 02476 387 279.

The course is delivered by STRIDE which is the trading arm of Leicester based charity SHARP. STRIDE is an award winning social enterprise based in Leicester, providing work experience and training in a real business environment. They provide work experience placements and accredited training opportunities to a variety of people including the long term unemployed, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and young people leaving school unsure of the next step to take.

Barratt is currently building a selection of homes at its Bluebell development on Queen Elizabeth Road in Camp Hill. These include two-, three- and four-bedroom houses priced from £124,950. For more information, please contact the sales office on 02476 399 520 open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Alternatively, please call the sales hotline on 0844 811 9988 open seven days a week from 8am to 9pm or log on to www.bluebellnuneaton.co.uk