European Social Fund in England

Build up

Region: London, including all 5 London LSC areas (North, East, South, West and Central)

Funding: LSC Pan-London ESF Objective 3

Target group: SMEs in the construction industry and their employees

The 'Build UP' project led by Islington Enterprise Agency (IEA) started in January 2005 and will help to address identified training needs for the construction sector until the end of 2006. The industry faces huge skills and training challenges over the next five years in London in light of major construction projects including the 2012 Olympics. 'Build UP' addresses 3 areas identified as significant gaps in the construction industry:

• black and minority ethnic (BME) & women-led micro-businesses
• sustainable site management
• conservation/restoration

Among its activities, Build UP includes sustainable management training for construction sites in London. On smaller sites, the training will take place on-site through a mobile environmentally friendly Café van leading to the award of a Certificate in Environmental Awareness developed in partnership and supported by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for construction. This approach addresses the difficulty of engaging with SMEs who have little time or opportunity for training. In London the waste produced by the construction industry is considerable and awareness of environmental issues and sustainable practices among SMEs is limited.

180 beneficiaries are also receiving restoration/conservation skills and/or business management training. Fifteen tradeswomen started on a new Craft Conservation course in June 2005. The training began with a focus on stonework and beneficiaries have been very enthusiastic about being given the opportunity to enhance their skills. Maria, a carpenter, is enjoying the opportunity provided by 'Build UP': "the course offers me an insight into the conservation industry as well as an appreciation of other craft trades. Learning about the condition of properties is very useful." The course is takes a very hands-on approach: "it's been hard on the hands but I certainly enjoyed the challenge" comments Cass, a bricklayer.

For further information and contact details, see O3 website: http://www.londono3.ecotec.co.uk/projects/casestudies/0506_41c_IEA/.