A practical construction skills course is creating opportunities and changing futures for young people in Trafford who have grown up in the care system.
Constructions Cares is a three-day course giving care experienced young people a taste of a range of skills, including plumbing, tiling, electrics, painting and decorating and joinery.
The initiative was developed by GMI Construction in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group and Trafford Council, with the aim of inspiring young care leavers to consider different career options, and to equip them with DIY skills to use in their own homes.
Since its launch in Trafford in 2024, Construction Cares has seen 124 care experienced young people take advantage of this offer, and the course will be running for a fifth time during the upcoming October half term at Trafford College’s Stretford campus.
During this time, course leaders have seen some encouraging outcomes, with young people signing up to further training as a result of their participation. Earlier this year 18 young people completed a Level 1 Multi-Skills (Plumbing) award at the Stretford campus, while others have completed health and safety training and gained a CSCS card, which is their passport to working on a building site. Yet more have gained work experience in construction.
Cllr George Devlin, Trafford’s Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People said:
“This excellent initiative just goes from strength to strength and it is fantastic to see it opening doors for young people and giving them skills and self-belief for the future.
“For some it has been a gateway to jobs in the construction industry, while for others it has boosted their confidence and inspired them to take up other career opportunities. The programme has also helped young people build meaningful friendships, fostering a sense of belonging and optimism.”
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council added:
“We know that life is not always easy for young adults finding their way in the world, and for those who are care experienced there are often multiple extra challenges.
“As corporate parents we want to do all we can to give our young people the best start in life, and we’re grateful to GMI Construction for their ongoing commitment to this offer.”
James Bruce, Senior Responsible Business Partner at GMI Construction, said:
“Construction Cares in Trafford is about so much more than learning practical construction skills.
“Through our partnership with Trafford Council and Trafford & Stockport College Group, we are creating opportunities for care leavers to build confidence, develop independence and see a future they may not have believed was possible.
“The impact goes beyond the classroom - it is about opening doors, creating connections and changing lives. This is more than a course; it is about giving young people the skills, confidence and support to shape their own future, while creating a positive impact across the wider Trafford community.”
Stewart Quayle, Director of Curriculum for Sustainable Construction at Trafford & Stockport College Group, added:
“GMI Construction Cares courses reach into communities and target some of our most vulnerable groups. They create opportunities to develop skills and self-confidence and re-engage with education.
“Stretford Campus, part of Trafford & Stockport College Group, is an ideal location to host this programme thanks to its excellent facilities and highly skilled staff. Taught sessions are geared to mirror minor home repairs so participants can use the skills in their own homes, as well as progress onto full-time courses should they wish.
“Working in partnership with GMI supports their social value commitment and makes a real difference, using construction and education as a force for change. As an organisation, we are proud to play a part in changing young people’s lives.”
The next Construction Cares will take place from 28-30 October at Trafford College’s Stretford campus. For more information and to enrol on the course, care experienced young people and/or their Aftercare Workers should contact James Bruce at James.bruce@gmi.co.uk