It has been fantastic to see our Training into Work programme make such positive progress this year, after two years of disruption caused by the pandemic.

Our first two groups of 2022 trainees have finished their training with us at the Centre for Excellence. They are now on their work placements, which are an integral part of all our courses.

Our recent Impact Study reinforces the importance of work placements in improving the self-confidence, skills and attitude of trainees. Placements also play a key role in improving contact and visibility with future employers.

Build It Contractor Relationship Manager Clayton Kachamba and Work Placement Officer Mildred Mwakamui taking trainees through a workshop on finding a job

The Centre for Excellence is still bustling with activity. A group of Rough Carpentry trainees started with us at the beginning of March and are progressing well. They have been joined this month by two new groups of Brick and Blocklaying trainees.

We also continue to provide post-graduate support. There are monthly drop-in sessions for graduates needing some additional help in finding work.

Our quarterly Female Mentorship sessions aim to provide more tailored support to our female graduates. Last month 2020 graduate Evelyn came to share her experience as a woman successfully working in construction.

2020 Brick and blocklaying graduate Evelyn Malunga at her graduation ceremony

Evelyn presented to 15 women at our Female Mentorship session on 26 April 2022

Training in the community

As well as training at our Centre for Excellence, we also deliver an entry-level course in Building Skills through our community building projects.

We are currently recruiting 23 young people who will train with us on construction of new facilities at Zambezi Sawmills Community School, Livingstone.

This will be our first community training course since before the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming them onboard.