Builder looks to the future

Dec 18 2007 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

A HARTLEPOOL building firm, which specialises in extensions and garage conversions, is doing some expansion of its own, thanks to help from a scheme to tackle skill shortages in the construction industry.

Robson Builders, which is run by Darren Robson, has gone from a one-man band to a four-strong team over the past year with support from the Building Futures initiative run by Hartlepool Council.

Building Futures pays trainees aged 16-19 a £70 a week training allowance for up to 26 weeks to allow them to gain experience with a firm in the building trade.

Mr Robson took on 22-year-old Anthony Hall, 19-year-old Scott Gretton and Liam Banks, who is 16.

Anthony is studying for an NVQ 2 in multi skills, covering everything from bricklaying to decorating, while Scott is studying for a Construction Industry Training Board qualification in bricklaying, and Liam is completing for a Foundation Construction Award in bricklaying.

Building Futures handled the recruitment and is overseeing their progress throughout training.

“Building Futures has been no end of help to me,” said Mr Robson.

“Finding and training good quality employees is crucial to any firm's growth, and Building Futures has played a major role in helping me achieve that.”

Olwen Maddison, Building Futures project officer, said: “We were delighted to help. Without employers like Darren, who are willing to give trainees the time and attention they need to learn, the construction industry would face a very difficult future.”