The training centre provides introductory construction skills training. A short-term ‘taster’ programme is offered which includes carpentry, joinery, bricklaying and plastering.
The ‘taster’ gives an insight into the construction sector and the opportunity to experience a practical daily routine for service users who have suffered chaotic lifestyles.
Brighter Futures opened in April 2007 with funding from the Northern Rock Foundation, the Drug Interventions Programme and the government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
People are referred to the training centre by The Cyrenians or the local drug team. After the taster session, people can sign up to an in-depth 12-week course, for two days each week. This normally involves one day in the centre learning skills, and one day in a class-room environment learning about interviews, writing CVs, personal development etc.
At the end, each graduate receives a certificate of attendance and has the chance to take the test for CSCS registration - the ‘passport’ to work on any construction site.
This project has been very successful in supporting trainees into further education, work experience and employment.
What our trainees say:
“You know, not so long ago, talking to complete strangers would have made me uneasy and uncomfortable - but now it feels easy and normal being able to talk about what I am doing”
“I’m getting excited now-seeing these benches coming together after all of our hard work”
“I always look forward to working here at Brighter Futures”
“I love doing this stuff it makes me concentrate and think about what I am doing”
