The Wensum Trust teams up with Lovell to help bridge construction sector skills shortage

The Wensum Trust have teamed up with Lovell to help tackle the skills and jobs shortage in the construction industry and educate young people about the range of career opportunities in the sector.

Lovell invited and included Morgan Sindall Construction as part of the partnership, helping to provide further opportunities for young people across the region.

The relationship between the five star partnership housing expert and the not-for-profit multi-academy education Trust will begin with the sponsorship of two students from Acle Academy commencing in September, which will lead onto apprenticeships the following year.  A longer term commitment will provide students at all the Trust’s High Schools with opportunities onsite, and the Trust embedding construction into the curriculum for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Simon Medler, regional managing director of Lovell in East Anglia, said: “A career in the construction industry is hugely rewarding, fast paced and challenging, and there is a range of roles and opportunities on offer in the sector. Working with The Wensum Trust is a real opportunity to spark that excitement and interest in construction at a young age, show students the pathway to a career in the sector and get them outside the classroom, and give them practical skills for the future. As well as visiting the Acle Academy to provide workshops and talks, students will get the opportunity to come to the site, meet the team and see first-hand what is on offer.”

Daniel Thrower, CEO of The Wensum Trust, comments: “It is a real aim for us to partner with organisations providing life skills and opportunities outside of education, supporting skills shortages, offering opportunities to those who have more practical skills, and supporting demands for jobs for the future. The government is aware of the skills shortages in construction and working with Lovell we can provide our students with a broad range of skills, open the door to a career in the industry and showcase and educate our students on construction and jobs in the sector including project managers, architects, geologists, environmental science, as well as bricklayers and carpenters.”

John Smith, Chair of Trust Board at The Wensum Trust, continues: “We will be giving Lovell some high quality apprentices who are eager to learn and hone their skills, and these are really fantastic opportunities for the students to learn on the job. Providing learning outside the classrooms and at different environments and settings is so important for youngsters. By September 2022, we aim for construction to be fully embedded into the curriculum at Acle Academy with our other academies being included as the partnership with Lovell matures. This is a brilliant opportunity for our students.”

The two apprentices from Acle Academy will join the team at Lovell’s Acle site, with Lovell working as development partner for Norfolk County Council’s company, Repton Property Developments, to deliver high quality and affordable homes in Acle. They are also working together to provide benefits for the local economy and community, such as employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is a clear example of the wider economic and educational benefits of this project. Increasing the skills of our current and future workforce is essential and apprenticeships are a vital tool in building the range of skills we need to revitalise Norfolk’s economy and build back better as we come out of the pandemic. We all need to work together if we want to create opportunities for those who are starting out in their career so I welcome what I hope will be another fruitful partnership.”

Lovell and Morgan Sindall Construction is committed to providing jobs and training for local people and its apprentices gain valuable construction experience and qualifications, with on the job experience working with skilled construction and maintenance professionals.

Lovell is a partnership housing expert and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential construction and regeneration developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.  

Lovell is part of the Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow Lovell on social media.