Partnership helps jobseekers to build a career in construction
Finning UK & Ireland and BMet College are offering jobseekers in the West Midlands an exciting opportunity to secure a 12-month paid contract learning key project-based construction skills.
The engineering specialist, which holds exclusive rights for the distribution of Cat® equipment and products in the UK and Ireland, is encouraging unemployed people who live in the region to apply for one of 18 places available on a bespoke plant maintenance course that’s being fully funded by West Midlands Combined Authority. The successful candidates will be taught by specialist teaching staff at James Watt College, part of BMet.
It is hoped that at least half of those who complete the four-week engineering course will be offered a 12-month contract based at Finning’s headquarters in Cannock where they will put their skills to use contributing to a major works programme.
Candidates who receive a job offer will also be encouraged to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the industry by acquiring new dealer level skills while working on Cat equipment and products.
Marsha Myles, Learning & Organisational Development Manager at Finning, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for people who are currently unemployed to gain skills and knowledge in engineering maintenance that will help them to stand out from their competitors and, for at least half of the participants, the opportunity to join our world-leading business.
“We understand that many people have faced real challenges in the past few years. We are determined to play our part in helping jobseekers back into work by offering schemes like this one that provide unemployed people with the chance to gain skills to secure a skilled job which benefits from a competitive salary.
“We welcome applicants from all ethnic origins, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, and abilities – there are no barriers with Finning. So, if you have an interest in mechanical engineering, we would be delighted to hear from you.”
The training course will be delivered at James Watt College, situated in Great Barr, and will teach the successful candidates how to maintain, dismantle and assemble plant and machinery, and how to remove and replace components.
Jeremy Clay, Business Development Manager at BMet, said: “We are so pleased to be working in partnership with Finning to help jobseekers get started in a career in construction. As well as teaching the technical aspects needed, we will also teach theoretical elements such as health and safety, employability and IT skills.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “West Midlands Combined Authority is delighted to fund such an exciting opportunity for local people to better understand – and find employment – in the construction industry. This funding supports my 100,000 jobs plan as we address the skills gaps in our workforce and help local people who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic get back into work.”
Applicants must be aged 19 and over, have achieved Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G) in English and Maths, hold a full driving licence and be able to attend an interview at James Watt College on February 17, 2022 at 11am.
The course will start on February 28, 2022, with those who secure one of the jobs starting work at Finning on April 4, 2022.