Exploring traditional Norfolk construction skills could open doors to new careers

This February, Norfolk charity The Benjamin Foundation is launching an innovative pilot scheme called Building Futures.  The free, six week taster course, for adults who have never been employed or who have been out of work for a prolonged period of time, will provide an insight into a variety of traditional construction skills such as flint knapping, thatching, Cobb building and traditional carpentry.

The Building Futures taster course is being funded by the Breakthrough Project: part of the East of England Disadvantaged Adults Pilot Programme (EEDAPP) which aims to promote employment and prevent exclusion.  Participants will have the opportunity to try out a range of traditional construction skills, with a view to them moving forward into full time training or employment in the construction sector.  The six week taster course is open to people over the age of 18 who are not in education, employment or training. 

Building Futures has been inspired by Benjamin’s Building Company, a sustainable building firm launched by The Benjamin Foundation in 2010.  Benjamin’s Building Company is committed not just to addressing the shortfall in affordable housing within Norfolk, but enhancing the skills and employability of disadvantaged adults by providing training and work opportunities.

Ian Jansens, Building Futures Manager at The Benjamin Foundation, said:  “The traditional construction taster course will be a fantastic opportunity for people to learn from master craftsmen who are incredibly skilled in trades which are, sadly, at risk of dying out.  Norfolk is full of beautiful buildings constructed using these skills and so for people prepared to commit to learning a trade there is huge potential to gain long-term employment in the future.”

“Whilst we will be working with experienced craftsmen to deliver the technical construction training, our team will be helping students with confidence building, literacy and numeracy work and employability skills such as CV writing and interview techniques.  Our aim is for this six week taster course to act as a very practical springboard to longer-term training or employment as well as getting people interested in traditional construction skills,” added Ian.

The Benjamin Foundation is hoping to hear from traditional craftsmen and tradespeople who would be prepared to get involved with the project and pass on their knowledge and experience.

Simon Woodbridge, Regional Chair of EEDAPP, said: “This six week taster course provides a great opportunity for adults who may have got stuck in a rut of unemployment to try something completely new.  These traditional and sustainable construction methods are very much at the heart of the Norfolk landscape, with towns and villages in our county full of beautiful and ancient buildings.  If we are to protect these structures for future generations it’s vital that the traditional trades are not lost.  Providing people who haven’t been able to find work with a chance to explore trades that they may never have even heard of is both a creative and very practical idea which EEDAPP is pleased to support.”

There are 20 places available on the six week taster course.  Anyone interested in attending should telephone Ian Jansens on 07584 500 725, or email ian.jansens@benjaminfoundation.co.uk, before Tuesday 31 January 2012.  Assistance will be provided, if required, with completing relevant application forms.  Whilst every application will be carefully considered, due to the funding stream, priority may be given to people aged 18 – 25.  Support with transport to the training venue will be provided for participants where possible.

Craftsmen and tradespeople who would be interested in getting involved with the project should email ian.jansens@benjaminfoundation.co.uk.

About Benjamin’s Building Company Ltd
The aim of Benjamin’s Building Company is to address the shortfall in affordable housing in Norfolk whilst also training and employing individuals from vulnerable client groups (for example people with learning/mental health difficulties, the homeless, ex-offenders, long term unemployed, etc.). The company focuses construction on ‘green build’/ sustainable principles. Our ‘Train to Build’ programme has started with the construction of four ‘move-on’ flats and other related works at Winston Court, North Walsham.  Winston Court is one of four Benjamin Foundation supported accommodation centres for homeless young people.  It’s anticipated other schemes, including new builds, will be developed and thus secure the future of the construction company and the employees within it.  We see this as a long term ambition, indeed potentially a market leader and anticipate a significant increase in the size of the company in the medium term.