We are delighted to be at the end of our first full Cohort of Transition to Trade with Job
Centre Dundee. With all the uncertainty going on in the world, we feel incredibly lucky have
had the opportunity to begin upskilling and training our workforce of tomorrow.
Born out of 20 years’ experience, Alexander Community Development has developed an
innovative programme, which will create a positive pathway for individuals into the
construction industry. Transition to Trade was delivered over a 4 week period, to a group of
job-seekers, referred from Job Centre, who have demonstrated an interest in gaining a
Trade, however have struggled to find the right opportunities to make this happen.
Before lockdown, there was approx.. 30,000 16-24 years out of work. This is expected to rise
to over 140,000 by the end of 2020. That is 1 in 3 young people out of work. This is where
ACD can play a real part in the solution to this problem. CITB (Construction Industry Training
Board) analysis has stated that there is a 3% labour shortfall, coupling this with 8% of the
construction industry being EU nationals, and a further 37% of the workforce being over 50,
there is a huge opportunity for young people to fill this gap.
One of the aims of this programme is to remove some of the barriers that young people
frequently face, such as not having the required qualifications, or experiencing challenging
home circumstances. Throughout the 4-week programme candidates built their knowledge
in general workplace health and safety as well as developing their practical skills in painting
and decorating. This led to the candidates gaining qualifications, which will allow them to go
directly into employment, but most importantly they gained a sense of achievement
through the large design and build project at the North End Social Club, where they put their
newly acquired skills to use by working together to revamp the interior of the building. As
well as this, candidates had the opportunity to develop soft skills in the informal setting,
such as growth mindset, confidence, and goal setting.
Every one of the candidates have passed their assessments for IOSH, COSHH and are due to
complete their CSCS certification in November, which will allow them to go directly into
employment.
When the candidates were asked what their goals were when they finished the programme
some of which have stated they are seeking an apprenticeship, some are hoping to gain a
job as a labourer with their CSCS certification whilst others are seeking route to start their
own business.
ACD is hoping to create jobs to allow us to continue working with some of these young
people through the Government Kickstart scheme.
About Alexander Community Development
Alexander’s Community Development was established to serve Dundee. Alexander’s
Community Development have a desire to broaden the horizon for people in the city,
demonstrating the trades sector as a viable career path. Alongside this Alexander’s
Community Development will continue to support the city in whichever way then can when
a need is identified. Immediate recognition and support was given in the form of food
distribution for food banks in Dundee at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of these
offerings ensure that Alexander Community Development continues to establish a grassroots
connection.
2 Fairfield Street Dundee, currently renting space from Alexander Decorators, with the
ambition to build their own building on the site.
Project Leader – aled@alexanders-scotland.co.uk
Alexander Community Development
Alexander Community Development has developed from 20 years of work in the decorating trade, both in practise and education. The sister company of ACD, Alexander Decorators LTD has lead the way in developing skill and talent in the trade, and this work will now be built upon in ACD. Within in this live working environment, there will be programmes delivered for children and young people who are looking to gain qualifications and skills that will gain them future employment opportunities.
