Jobs on their doorstep
9 January 2008
A Rochdale bricklayer who has been training through J21, an innovative labour into construction project has found work on a major building project close to home.
Forty-one-year old Tariq Masood from Deeplish in Rochdale has been working on the Rochdale LIFT scheme, the impressive new health facility being built at the junction of Tweedale Street and Maclure Road, close to Rochdale rail station.
Having studied for two years as a bricklayer at Oldham College, Tariq was job-matched to a position as a general operative with Fleetwood-based bricklaying contractor Blythe & Denby earlier this year. Since October, this job has taken him just a short walk from home, to the health centre, being built by Eric Wright Construction.
J21 has been established through the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder. It aims to develop construction skills so that local people can take advantage of extensive building work planned across both boroughs.
As part of his training, Blythe & Denby have paired Tariq with an experienced bricklayer. He is hoping to retire next year, and is passing on his experience to Tariq.
Tariq said, “I’ve been given a unique opportunity to learn a trade and break into the industry. I’ve been working on the health centre project for six months doing all types of labouring and plant driving jobs. It’s a buzz and pays well.
“I’m learning how the trade works as well as keeping fit at the same time. I’m learning from a master bricklayer with 40 years experience, and hope to be fully trained within two or three years.”
“I can’t thank J21 and Blythe and Denby enough for the opportunity I’ve been given. My boss is superb and wants me to better myself. Once the LIFT project is completed, I’ll be happy to travel across the North West to work on any of Blythe & Denby’s projects”.
Also working with Blythe & Denby on the Rochdale LIFT site is Ian Ashcroft. Ian has eight years experience as a plant driver, but registered with J21 when he was made redundant. Through J21, he was able to update his training and renew his plant license, which had lapsed.
J21 will help Ian gain his NVQ Level 2 in plant driving, once he’s recorded 300 hours of driving experience. Ian, who also lives in Rochdale, said, “I really enjoy working in construction and the outdoors. No two days are the same and your working environment is always changing, so you have to pay attention to health and safety and understand the needs of each job.”
“Normally I’m used to working up to 50 miles from Rochdale, which means early starts. This job is a nice change and I hope to continue to work locally on all the other health centres to be built”.
Sean Denby of brickwork contractor Blythe and Denby commented; “We are absolutely delighted with the two lads we have taken on from J21, they are both good grafters and totally reliable. We’ve been let down by other employment agencies in the past and thought this would be no different, but they sold me on the idea of employing local labour and it’s paid off.
It’s reassuring to know that two key workers will be on site early doors, setting up for the rest of the lads, and not stuck on a motorway. We will definitely use the services of J21 again for other projects in Oldham or Rochdale.”
Since 2005, J21 has found jobs for over 150 people and invested over £300,000 on training local people. Bob Barber, J21 Job Broker said, “It’s great to see our local workforce gaining the opportunity to work local. We have a wealth of talent in the two boroughs, evident in the diversity of local contractors and in the commitment shown by the likes of Taz and Ian.
They have both proved great ambassadors for J21 and Rochdale and reinforced the ethos of local jobs for local residents. The opportunity and feedback from companies like Blythe and Denby is most encouraging and proves our strategy for training and promotion is working for the good of our community”.
J21 would like to hear from any Oldham or Rochdale resident aged over 18, seeking long-term employment in construction. Please call 01706 646471 and ask for Martin Ryle.