In an exciting development for young people in the North East, a new initiative is opening doors for school leavers to enter the scaffolding industry, significantly boosting apprenticeships and local employment.

W@H Solutions, with support from Procure Plus and the Newcastle United Football Foundation, is leading this effort to offer school leavers the chance to gain hands-on experience and potentially secure apprenticeships through Northern Regeneration at the Construction Skills Village.

The innovative program offers participants a 5-day comprehensive training course, introducing them to the fundamentals of scaffolding. Afterwards, they embark on a 5-day work experience placement with a local scaffolding company. If both parties are satisfied with the fit, participants can enroll in an apprenticeship program, providing them with a direct pathway into the trade.

With over 80 young people already signed up, this initiative has gained significant interest. The Newcastle United Football Foundation’s promotion of the program has led to over 30 individuals, including a 47-year-old, signing up for apprenticeships. The diverse range of applicants underscores the program’s broad appeal, offering opportunities to both school leavers and older individuals.

Building a Skilled Workforce for the Future

Speaking about the initiative, a representative from W@H Solutions said, “We are excited to offer a pathway into scaffolding that is accessible to young people who may not have considered this trade before.

By combining training with real-world experience and creating a structured apprenticeship route through Northern Regeneration, we are helping to close the gap between education and employment.”

The program’s unique structure allows companies to assess potential apprentices while giving participants a real taste of the working environment. Northern Regeneration ensures that those who proceed into apprenticeships receive high-quality, industry-standard training, setting them up for long-term success in the scaffolding industry.

This initiative is seen as a vital step toward securing the future of the scaffolding industry, while also offering young people in the North East a chance to embark on rewarding careers. With strong financial backing from Ofsted, the program is expected to have a lasting and positive impact on the region’s workforce.