Yorkshire Construction Training
Llite is a Private Limited organisation based in New Cleveland Street Hull with further sites in North and North East Lincolnshire and Sheffield. Established in 2001, Llite was developed in response to local people not accessing local jobs in construction and allied trades. People from out of town were being brought in by the local construction companies. Llite wanted to turn that around so that local construction jobs were accessible to local people and Llite would help to supply learners with the skills and resources to achieve this.
Llite have since developed a workforce of 45, and are now the largest deliverer of construction training in Yorkshire, working with 1,200 clients per annum. Despite their growth, Llite are as passionate about developing local people and enabling them to achieve their potential as they were when first established.
James Epworth, Strategy Director of Llite said “The Construction Industry is a very good career option. For local unemployed people enrolling with Llite, learners will have the potential to develop skills in a range of Construction Industry roles. But it doesn’t stop there; we also help learners to find a job through our employability support services”.
Llite have an aftercare service which means once the learner has entered employment, they can still contact Llite to resolve any issues they may have. James continued “the aftercare service is proving to be a valuable resource to learners. If they feel they need further skill development in the future or any help or advice, then we have the facilities and resources to provide this”.
Learners enrolling with Llite will develop skills in the following trade areas:
• Bricklaying
• Plastering
• Joinery
• Plumbing
• General Construction Work
• Painting and Decorating
Llite works with a number of stakeholders including local colleges, Jobcentre +, LSC and HLC to offer these courses to local people. Llite assess each learner on their own merits, and their learning progression is very much tailored towards that individual. If the learner needs more practical skills, a qualification or if the learner has the skills but can’t get into employment – then Llite can offer them a service that best suits their needs. If the individual doesn’t have a CSCS card for example (a passport for construction sites) then Llite will make sure they have the skills to obtain one. James Epworth continued “This (CSCS card) is great for anybody who may have been made redundant in the Construction Industry fields. Obtaining this passport along with employability sessions can greatly enhance someone’s employment prospects”.
Llites Employability Quest teams includes life coaches, basic skills tutors and recruiters. They aim to develop learner’s confidence through learning, activities and events which encourage learners to develop achievable career goals.
In January 2007 Llite obtained a Grade 1 (outstanding) Adult Learning Inspection (OFSTED). It is a major achievement and one Llite is very proud of. Further achievements in Matrix and Investor in People awards were coupled with praise of how well Llite deliver and integrate Basic Skills into Construction training programmes.
HLC have recently awarded an Adult Engagement contract to Llite whose staff have also benefited from HLC services by attending a Level 3 IAG course.
Looking towards Llites future plans James said “Key flexible New Deal contracts are essential to sustain Llite. We are hoping to expand further into North East and North Lincs and develop programmes in conjunction with local schools and colleges. We hope to be further involved in the regeneration of Hull, building schools for the future, and supplying labour from programmes run here at Llite”.