Developer, Igloo Regeneration’s parent company has revealed plans to open an academy in Derby to address skills shortages in the real estate sector.
Places for People Group is to open the academy on Pride Park next year, and is currently welcoming expressions of interest.
The new academy, located in Centro Place, will focus on apprenticeships and vocational training.
Academy director Tom Arey shared: “The real estate sector is facing a significant skills shortage, particularly in trades roles essential to all forms of housing across the UK.
“Now, more than ever, we need to invest in quality, relevant training for our workforce.
“To tackle this challenge, we are excited to announce the launch of a physical training academy exclusively for our shared sector.
“Our ambition is to help us all grow and achieve our shared ambition of building more, much needed homes.”
The academy would train apprentices in electrical installation and repair, joinery, and property maintenance, as well as leadership and management and customer service courses that are tailored to the housing industry. Training in gas, plumbing and roofing would be delivered through a partner.
It would also provide vocational training in various health and safety disciplines and future skills, including manual handling, first aid, solar installation, heat pumps and more.
Tom added: “The academy will offer high-quality learning tailored to the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required in the housing and construction sector, making it one of the first facilities dedicated exclusively to our industry’s challenges.
“As well as this, we will actively recruit apprentices from your communities and encourage diverse talent into the sector.
“We have a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact, and we invite you to join us in this.”
Places for People Group is reaching out to organisations it feels may want to be involved in the academy.
Tom concluded: “We have already commenced vocational training across the UK and would like to extend this opportunity to the Derby business community.
“This will directly support our new government’s ambition to ‘Break down opportunities to opportunity’. We have full support of Homes England, CITB and the newly formed Skills England.”
