Partnership working initiated by the joint union Union Learning Fund (ULF) project could result in over 20,000 hours of work experience for construction trainees in Plymouth – and allow the city council to improve more community facilities.

At the heart of the joint union ULF project, Building a Learning Legacy, is a partnership network. One example of practical benefits these partnerships can produce is the relationship the project has helped to develop between training provider Construction Training South West (CTSW) and Plymouth City Council (PCC) Streets and Grounds Maintenance Department is a good example of this.

CTSW has 200 construction trainees studying for diplomas in bricklaying, carpentry, painting and decorating, plastering and plumbing. They are currently working at different levels, from Foundation to Level 3. While several local employers are willing to take on work experience students, there are not enough for all the construction trainees to gain the 100 hours’ work experience they need to achieve their diploma.

Using his experience and contacts, ULF project team member and Unite Learning Organiser Sam Quigley was able to bring the two organisations together to discuss how they could mutually benefit from carrying out community projects in Plymouth. 

The first two projects are now under discussion. The first will see PCC provide the materials and supervision for CTSW students to build a bridge over a stream at Plympton Pathfields wildflower meadows. 

The second will see CTSW students involved in the complete refurbishment of changing rooms at Victoria Park on the same basis. The two projects will provide the opportunity for construction trainees across all the trades to gain work experience.

CTSW Work Placement Manager Andreas Kallis is keen to acknowledge the support of the project, and its staff, have provided. Andreas said:

Sam has been really helpful and is always on the lookout for work experience opportunities and organised a meeting with the right people at the council. It helps the council as it will be able to complete projects that it might not otherwise have been able to do, so itʼs good all round.

The ULF project has enabled us to build a new relationship with Plymouth City Council and there is a lot of potential for this to develop over the next few months."