Workshop in partnership with Action Acton
Crossrail partnered with West London charity Action Acton to hold a pre-employment workshop for young unemployed people in the area, providing them with a range of advice and practical skills to help them find employment.
The event on Friday, (12 July) gave unemployed 16-24 year olds an introduction to the construction industry as well as an overview of Crossrail and the variety of jobs involved in the delivery of Europe’s largest engineering project.
Crossrail said it is committed to creating skills and employment opportunities for people along the Crossrail route and nearly 1,500 have taken part in one of Crossrail’s pre-employment workshops like the one at Acton so far. There are also a range of other employment and skills initiatives in place on the project including a Crossrail apprenticeship scheme, a dedicated Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy, and a job brokerage partnership with Jobcentre Plus.
The workshop forms part of Action Acton’s new initiative Youth Transitions Network (YTN), awarded by the Big Lottery Fund, a project which aims to support young people who have recently left custody or care to find employment, training and education opportunities.
Crossrail’s Talent and Resources Director Valerie Todd said: “As well as delivering world-class new transport links for London, Crossrail has an important role to play in addressing future construction skills shortages and getting young people into the industry. The workshop in Acton is a great chance for local young people to find out more about major construction projects like Crossrail, with a range of helpful information and advice to help them take their first steps into the industry.”
Action Acton's Chief Executive John Blackmore said: "We would like to thank Crossrail for putting on this workshop. Youth unemployment is a key social issue. Prolonged unemployment can be very damaging for young people. This is our second event with in partnership work with Crossrail. We look forward to many more young people being given the opportunity for training, work experience, apprenticeships and employment in this field. We are also keen to hear from other key large and small company employers.”
July 13, 2013