New construction partnership means local jobs boost

Date published: 13/03/2007

Scores of new construction jobs are to be created in Oldham and Rochdale, thanks to a landmark agreement between developers McInerney Homes and local employment and training provider J21.

The two organisations have signed a special charter that will see local people be placed first in line for jobs generated by the region's Housing Market Renewal (HMR) regeneration boom.

The agreement is expected to create at least 25 local construction jobs, nine of which  will be training and apprenticeship opportunities, in the next three years.

Under the agreement, J21, which is funded by Oldham and Rochdale HMR Pathfinder, will act as a recruitment partner for two McInerney companies - McInerney Homes and Hargreaves Contracting amp; Developments - providing a ready supply of well-trained, local workers to support the company's construction projects in the area. 

Sarfraz Arfan, Manager of J21 said: "This agreement means that local people will be at the front of the queue, when new construction jobs arise.

"Over the next 10 years, more than £2 billion is expected to be invested in construction across both boroughs. As a major building partner in the area, we are thrilled that McInerney Homes has signed this charter. It underlines the company's commitment to local jobs and skills creation. It's excellent news for local people."

Gerry Sweeney, Managing Director of McInerney Homes and Hargreaves Contracting amp; Developments said, "Regeneration is about more than just bricks and mortar. It's also an opportunity to improve people's skills and employment opportunities.

"We are looking forward to working closely with J21 and the Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder, to help create modern, desirable homes while helping local people onto the construction ladder."

J21 is a partnership between Hopwood Hall College, The Oldham College and Oldham and Rochdale Councils. It was set up in 2005, supported by around £600,000 of HMR funding. The initiative trains local people in building and construction skills, and helps them to find work locally.

In the last 10 months alone, J21 has helped 37 people find jobs in construction, and placed 38 people on bespoke training courses - investing up to £4,000 in each individual.

One trainee, Taz Masood, 41, of Deepdale Avenue, Rochdale, hopes to land a job as a bricklayer when he completes his training at Oldham College in the summer.

Taz, currently works as a self employed personal trainer, but is keen to learn skills that will provide a more steady income. 

J-21 is funding him through evening classes to achieve both his City and Guilds Foundation Construction Award and Intermediate Construction Award in brickwork.

He said: "I have really enjoyed the practical training and hope to secure a job with a house builder. I enjoy being a personal trainer, but need to be earning a steady salary and construction appeals to me because it is physical.

"There is a lot of money being spent by developers in Rochdale and Oldham on new houses, so learning these skills will hopefully provide me with a career with lots of prospects.  The support I've received through J-21 has been brilliant; it has given me confidence to change my life."