A NEW initiative in Rugby is bringing together experienced tradespeople and young trainees to tackle youth unemployment while improving local homes.
Dormant Trade Skills pairs experienced or semi-retired tradespeople with young people who are out of work, giving them the chance to learn practical skills on real jobs while delivering meaningful improvements to housing.
Programme organisers are now calling for support from local authorities to expand the initiative.
The approach was demonstrated on a house in Deerings Road, where Trade Mentor Phil Ward and trainee Josh King solved damp and mould issues by improving external drainage, installing modern humidistat-controlled ventilation, and treating mould.
Josh said: “I really enjoyed being part of the job and learning on site. It was completely different to just being shown things – actually doing the work and having someone experienced there to guide me made a big difference.
“I learned a lot in a short space of time and would definitely like to keep working in this kind of environment.”
Phil said it was good to be back on site and pass on some of the practical skills he had picked up over the years.
He added: “Josh worked hard, was keen to learn, and took things on board well.
“I think it’s a good idea, as there are a lot of experienced tradespeople who still have something to offer, and younger people benefit from learning properly on real jobs. I’d be happy to get involved again.”
Project leader Jon Gadsden said the key to this type of work was understanding the cause of the problem.
He added: “Once that’s clear, the solution is usually straightforward and can be carried out by a competent person.
“We guide that process and pass that understanding on, so experienced tradespeople and trainees can deliver the work properly on real jobs.”
The homeowner also praised both the work and the concept behind it, adding: “It’s great to see experience being passed on while getting the job done properly.”
The initiative is now looking to expand across Rugby and surrounding areas, with organisers calling on local authorities and partners to support the next phase of delivery.
Dormant Trade Skills is also inviting experienced tradespeople to get involved as mentors and help pass on valuable skills to the next generation.
Visit www.dormanttradeskills.co.uk for more information.
