The benefits of the training centre
The centre is based in a converted warehouse in Islington, North London and it’s the only one of its kind in the UK offering a 4-week painting and decorating course. The course is open and accessible to all in the community who are either starting out for the first time or those who want to retrain in their careers. The centre has a wide range of students from ages 16 up to 65.
Alongside supporting trainees with the practical skills required to become a skilled painter and decorator, the centre also has a classroom available for theory-based training where students can work towards obtaining a qualification under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
Recruiting trainees for the course
During our visit we spoke with Kevin Mcloughlin, the founder of McCloughlin Training about the work he is doing in the community to support young people who are not in training, employment, education or training (NEET).
The company recruits trainees from Mencap, an organisation that supports people of all ages who have mental health or learning difficulties. The company also works closely with the local job centre, who regularly refer people on the course.
While the centre has an excellent success rate and often leads to students finding an apprenticeship or a full-time job after the course, it has struggled to recruit people. There is a continuing trend of young people not wanting to join the industry despite the vast range of career of opportunities that it offers. The FMB is working hard to tackle this issue by challenging the perception of it, alongside supporting the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver presentations in schools and colleges in order to attract more school leavers.
Some of the trainees we met on the day
Sam Edwards is a painting and construction trainee.
Joseph Powell is an apprentice painter and decorator.
Jenni Allan is a degree level apprentice studying quantity surveying.
