A unique approach to address the area's construction skills shortage and getting unemployed people back into work has been devised by Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (INBSE) in partnership with the CITB-ConstructionSkills and Jobcentre Plus.

Eight trainees began their three-week intensive training programme on Tuesday (24th January). Following this, they will begin four-week work placements with one of 12 employers signed up to the programme. Provided the trainees pass their training course and progress well during their site work experience, the participating companies are prepared to offer each of the trainees a job.

The programme is being funded by INBSE through the Scottish Executive's Training for Work programme, and will cover the cost of the training, basic health and safety qualifications, and the necessary protective clothing for working in the construction industry.

The training course will include health and safety awareness, risk assessment, manual handling, scaffolding safety awareness, emergency first aid, job applications and personal skills. During this time, the trainees will prepare for the CITB Health and Safety Test, in order to obtain a site operative Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which is becoming an essential requirement before starting work on site.

CITB-ConstructionSkills consulted with employers through the Highland Construction Training Group to select an appropriate training programme before securing 12 construction companies willing to take part and offer employment on successful completion. The trainees were selected by Jobcentre Plus. INBSE identified the training providers and put the funding package together.

Susan English, skills development manager at INBSE, said: "This is a great example of partnership working. By working closely with CITB-ConstructionSkills and Jobcentre Plus, we have put together a training programme that recognises the needs of the industry and helps people back into work. After completing the course and the on-site work placements, there is very little reason to doubt that they will all have secured jobs at the end of it."

Teri Urquhart, training adviser with CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "There has been a lot of effort put into the planning and organising of this programme over the last few months. It is an excellent opportunity for the candidates who will learn new skills and gain qualifications and is a route for the construction employers to alleviate labour shortages."