The Pathway into Construction training and employment programme was born following a 'build' consultation with employers about training requirements.

Employers were asked what they needed from trainees.

The responses consistently pointed away from the raw apprentice towards people who had:

• a substantial grounding in a trade
• support with life skills prior to starting their employment
• appropriate starting qualifications and accreditations (e.g. CSCS card)
• progression into further training while employed

The 'build' team developed a programme to provide an intensive initial gateway leading to a recognised first level construction qualification plus Health & Safety, First Aid, Manual Handling and soft skills elements. Importantly, this was to be followed immediately by a minimum 40 week period of subsidised employment and next level training, mentoring and monitoring. Each element is crucial to the individual's success and their value as an employee.

This quality does not come cheaply and finance was sought and the project was piloted through SRB and Yorkshire Forward.

The courses are delivered by local technical colleges at dedicated 'build' academies in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley and are supported by 'build' project officers and admin team.

JobcentrePlus / ESF Co-finance was bid for and granted for the first main entrants commencing July 2004