Media Release

U Build 4 the Rebuild

InfraTrain and Salvation Army building people for the Rebuild

InfraTrain New Zealand and Employment Plus, the training arm of the Salvation Army, have developed a pre-trade training programme which will train up to 200 at risk, unemployed people in Canterbury over the next 2 years.

The ‘U Build 4 the Rebuild’ programme is a 6 week introduction to the civil construction sector, which aims to help learners progress into work and further on the job training leading to National Qualifications.

It is forecast that the infrastructure sector alone requires up to 500 new workers a year for the next two years, while in statistics released at the end of March 2012, Labour Force Survey note up to 18,800 people are currently unemployed, and looking for work in Canterbury.

‘U Build for the Rebuild’ will give those who live in the Canterbury region an opportunity to be part of the rebuild of their city and environment. Course participants will spend two weeks undertaking training in work preparation, followed by 4 weeks of practically-based civil construction training, including gaining all the required fundamentals for working on an infrastructure works site.

InfraTrain Chief Executive Philip Aldridge says, “We are very pleased to sign an agreement with The Salvation Army to train people to assist with the Christchurch rebuild. The Salvation Army has an established track record of success in pre-employment training and in helping participants become work ready. This new programme is targeted specifically at the infrastructure sector. It is estimated that an additional 18,000 skilled workers will be needed in the infrastructure and wider construction sector in the next 2-3 years to help rebuild Christchurch. This initiative is about helping Canterbury people to become part of the rebuild.”

Salvation Army Project Manager Robyn Laurenson sees the programme as a strong pathway opportunity to get people into work. She says, “I am heartened by the wide age range and profile of the people we are being referred for this course - from 18 year old ‘tomboys’ to a 53 year old man who sees this as a wonderful re-careering opportunity.”

Those wanting to take part must have a clean, full driver’s licence, be drug-free and physically fit.

Priority will be given to those made redundant as a result of the earthquakes. For more information, please contact Robyn Laurenson at Employment Plus on 0800 YOU BUILD

ENDS

© Scoop Media