Kirkstall Forge in Leeds is a major mixed-use development from Commercial Estates Group (CEG) that promises to provide a community of business and housing, a school and retail. In 2016, the railway station was opened and in 2017 the first office build phase was completed. CEG’s community programme includes the Forging Futures campus, a centre dedicated to developing young people’s skills, particularly in the construction industry. On offer are various training courses, including employability skills, construction certifications (including CSCS preparation) and apprenticeships.
Recently, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, former international footballer Brian Deane, and Vince Rose of Barclays Bank attended a graduation event to congratulate 13 young people who have successfully completed their training.
The VIPS shared experiences and advice with the young people who are now planning their next steps. Rose said:
“There was a time I needed someone to believe in me before I could believe in myself. Now, through Forging Futures, I have the privilege of believing in a talented group of young adults – helping them build the skills and confidence for a brighter future.”
Building skills and confidence in young people
The graduates completed a 17-week course run by CEG in partnership with Icon Group, aimed at 16- to 18-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. It helps them learn new skills and build confidence and identify routes towards further training and/or employment.
As well as gaining functional skills in maths and English, and 150 hours of work experience placement and community projects, students learn how to manage their money (in partnership with Barclays Bank).
Ewan Metcalf, managing director of Icon Group, said:
“We’re really proud to celebrate the graduation of our 18th cohort of young people completing courses at Forging Futures Campus, Kirkstall Forge.
“Hundreds of young people and adults have successfully achieved qualifications, gained confidence, found life-long friends and found employment as a result of our work. It’s gratifying to know we helped so many journey to a better life and future and we look forward to helping many more. None of this would be possible without the support of key partners and fantastic learners and today is a celebration of their contribution and hard work.”
Forging Futures and the local community
More than 215 eligible young people have completed the course since its launch in 2017, either at the Kirkstall Forge campus or the latest Leeds venue, the Counting House in Temple. Many have since moved into apprenticeships, jobs or further education.
In addition, over 1,230 participants have benefited from curriculum delivery, site visits, workplace engagement, CV workshops and mock interviews, held in partnership with several Leeds schools, colleges and universities.
Overall, the programme claims to have delivered almost £1.5mn of ‘social value’ over the last year. As CEG community liaison manager, Lucinda Yeadon, said:
“We’re passionate about providing long-term benefits to the local community, and Forging Futures Campus has proved an incredibly successful way to deliver new skills, training and job opportunities.
“We’re so proud of those who have taken part and have seen such a positive impact on their lives. The 13 teenagers who have graduated today are now better equipped to access new job opportunities or go back into education, and will continue to be advised by the team as they make these decisions. We look forward to hearing their success stories over the coming years.”
Seeking the next cohort of young recruits
CEG / Icon Group are now seeking 16-18-year-olds to form the next cohort of recruits for their Level 1 Employability, Skills and Construction awards.
For young people aged 19 or over and from West Yorkshire – including those currently employed but looking to expand their skillset – CEG/Icon Group have created a new Green Skills Academy. It is aimed at those interested in sustainability and green skills (such as renewables, passive housing, retrofit, ICF and timber frame), or who want to learn modern methods of construction (MMC).
To express an interest and apply for any of these courses, email hello@icongroup.org.uk.
Article based on a press release.
