Teenagers get taste of life on building site

Ten young people from Canklow who have been struggling to get into work completed the national Building Futures scheme which aims to provide jobseekers with the skills and motivation to return to work.

The week-long programme saw them learn a variety of construction skills including joinery and brickwork.

And as part of the project the teenagers put their skills to the test by carrying out improvement works on the grounds and gardens at Canklow Woods Primary School.

They also had the opportunity to spend a day on the adjacent Rother View Road construction site, where 29 new council houses and apartments are being built.

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet member for safe and attractive neighbourhoods, said: “This scheme has been great for Rotherham in all respects.

“Not only are we on the brink of completing the first council housing in the borough for nearly three decades, but also, we’re helping the young people of the town acquire a vocation, which will stand them in good stead for years to come.”

The project was run by Wates Living Space—the construction company currently working on the 29 council homes site—in partnership with Rotherham Borough Council and Learning World training providers.

All participants were rewarded with a Building Futures certificate.

Cllr Akhtar added: “We'd like to thank Wates Living Space for their inspired work and hope that it continues to benefit Rotherham long into the future.”