More than 15 care leavers from across Trafford took part in a three-day Construction Cares DIY Skills Week, delivered at Trafford & Stockport College Group’s Stretford Campus.
It’s designed to support young people leaving care by helping them develop practical DIY and construction skills, build their confidence, and prepare them for living independently.
The Construction Cares programme, which has now been delivered for the third time, is a joint project between GMI Construction, Trafford Council and Trafford & Stockport College Group.
The three-day programme included both morning and afternoon hands on sessions covering tiling, painting, joinery, basic electrical and basic plumbing skills.
Sessions were delivered by GMI Construction’s contractors, V&E Joiners, John Martin Painting, Briggs and Forrester, alongside Kenroy Keenan, a lecturer at TSCG’s Stretford Campus.
Care leaver Jay Jones attended the Construction & DIY workshop and said, “I would say that this project has been really beneficial. It’s been a great opportunity for me to learn skills and take them away into the community and do things at my own pace!
One thing I’ve taken away is the ability to do my own sort of work. I’ve put holes in walls before, but this has given me experience in fixing those holes. It’s given me more groundwork to work with.”
Those who attended were given their own toolkits to take home, helping them put their new skills into practice in their own time. Smart Choice Training Academy also donated tool bags for every participant, with extra bags provided to support TSCG students.
Chris Wall, Commercial Director at Smart Choice Academy, “Smart Choice Training Academy is proud to support the Construction Cares initiative by donating tool bags and helping care leavers take practical first steps into construction. It’s fantastic to see the partnership help care leavers access real opportunities, practical skills and meaningful careers within the industry. Creating pathways into construction is essential to build the skilled workforce the industry needs for the future.”
The programme also highlighted the clear progression routes for those interested in a future job in Construction. GMI Construction has offered to fund CSCS cards for any young people who are wishing to take the next step into the industry.
They were also informed about progression onto the Level 1 Multi Skills Course at Trafford & Stockport College Group, an accredited qualification delivered at college, once a week.
James Bruce, Senior Responsible Business Partner at GMI Construction, said,
“Construction Cares is more than a course, it’s a foundation for opportunity. Over three days, care leavers gain practical construction skills, build confidence, and develop the social connections that open doors to ongoing support and real pathways forward.
Now in our third delivery in partnership with Trafford Council and Trafford & Stockport College Group, it highlights the strength of sustained collaboration and the lasting impact we can achieve together.”
Stewart Quayle, Director of Curriculum for Sustainable Construction at Trafford & Stockport College Group, said:
“GMI Construction Cares courses reach into communities and target some of our most vulnerable groups. They create opportunities to develop skills and self-confidence and re-engage with education.
Stretford Campus, part of Trafford & Stockport College Group, is an ideal location to host this programme thanks to its excellent facilities and highly skilled staff. Taught sessions are geared to mirror minor home repairs so participants can use the skills in their own homes, as well as progress onto full-time courses should they wish.
Working in partnership with GMI supports their social value commitment and makes a real difference, using construction and education as a force for change. As an organisation, we are proud to play a part in changing young people’s lives.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“Construction Cares’ is a great example of stakeholders coming together as corporate parents to provide opportunities and life skills for young people who have grown up in the care system.“
We are grateful to GMI for their enthusiastic commitment to this programme and to Trafford College for facilitating it so well once again. We would love to hear from businesses from other sectors interested in developing similar programmes to support care experienced young people and helping them to reach their potential. Anyone wishing to find out more can contact business@trafford.gov.uk”