A FEASIBILITY study carried out by Coleg Ceredigion is looking at equipping youngsters with the skills needed to succeed in the construction sector in the region.

A report has been draw up entitled ‘Design Your Future’ following the study which aims to identify the skills gap and understand the needs of the local sector.

It also looks at analysing and developing new methods of working at the college’s Cardigan and Aberystwyth centres to satisfy the growing demands of the industry. This was done with a view to develop a curriculum to meet the needs of the sector in Ceredigion.

Kevin Harrington, from Perspectif and Antur Teifi, identified three key areas to support the development of the sector in the future: Skills shortages, readiness for work and relationship building.

A conference has been held where the findings were shared. It also provided an opportunity for different groups within the construction sector to network and provide feedback on how to move forward.

Funded by Cynnal y Cardi and introduced by Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, the conference included a variety of speakers covering a range of topics.

They included rural housing by Tai Ceredigion; regeneration in Ceredigion by Ceredigion County Council; funding self-build by Development Bank for Wales; apprenticeships by CITB; and shared apprenticeships by Cyfle Building Skills.

Discussions are under way for the next steps, including setting up a network involving key people across Ceredigion.

This is to address the skills and recruitment shortage within the construction industry. There is also a need to ensure training offered is in line with wider trends and priorities for the sector.

Cllr Rhodri Evans, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and regeneration said: “The research from this project is very important for the construction sector in Ceredigion. There are successful elements of the current apprenticeship programme delivery in Ceredigion.

“However, there is need for improvement through a more coordinated approach between the construction and education sectors. The report and setting up of the network can create a positive and significant change to the construction sector as a whole in Ceredigion and help to strengthen Ceredigion’s economy.”

A copy of the report is available on Coleg Ceredigion’s website: ceredigion.ac.uk/images/design_your_future.pdf