Following on from the success of last year’s ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign, Leeds College of Building, a TTA associated training centre, is dedicating 18–22 October to Colleges Week 2021 and highlighting the incredible work colleges do.
During the national awareness campaign, Leeds College of Building will host its first face-to-face open event post-COVID-19 on Thursday 21 October (5-7pm) at its North Street Campus. Students can meet the team, tour the workshops, speak to peers, learn more about the courses on offer, and see the resources and facilities available. The site is home to one of the largest painting & decorating training facilities in the UK.
As part of Colleges Week, Leeds College of Building also invites women over the age of 16 to sample Construction Crafts courses free of charge. The taster events are designed for those considering a career change or wanting to develop new skills.
Currently, women make up around 14% of construction industry professionals in the UK; yet, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), it is estimated that the sector needs to recruit more than 217,000 new workers between now and 2025 to support its current activity. The issue is worsened by an ageing workforce, with 22% of the UK’s construction workforce aged over 50.
The college is inviting women to book free places on the taster days in Wall & Floor Tiling (27 October), Carpentry & Joinery (28 October), and Painting & Decorating (29 October). The female-only taster events will run at the college’s North Street Campus from 9.30am-2.30pm each day.
Please note: comfortable clothes (including a long-sleeved top) are advised alongside safety boots with steel toe caps. Boots will also be available for use at the College – please request these on booking.
Nationally, events are taking place all week, with Thursday dedicated to taking action on climate change. With the government’s comprehensive spending review taking place imminently, Colleges Week is also a reminder to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, that funding colleges, training and skills is the catalyst for a stronger, fairer and more resilient society.
Principal and CEO at Leeds College of Building, Derek Whitehead, said:
“We aim to ensure that all our students are properly equipped with the skills they need and can make a difference in whatever career they choose to pursue. Colleges Week not only highlights the need for proper investment to make this happen but also showcases the amazing place Leeds College of Building is for students and staff, and helping to meet employers’ skills needs.
“This year’s week of action comes at a crucial time. The big contribution further education will make to the country’s economic rebuild must be recognised and long-term investment is vital if we are to combat long-term challenges like climate change and training workers for the jobs of the future.”
To book a place on any taster day, contact Leeds College of Building Student Services on 0113 222 6002.
