South Essex Construction Training Academy scoops top prize in the “Skills” category at Housing Excellence Awards 2019

A South Essex training scheme aiming to secure employment for local people in the construction industry has been recognised at a regional awards ceremony.

The South Essex Construction Training Academy (SECTA) scooped the prize in the “Skills” category at the Housing Excellence Awards 2019.

The awards recognise high quality housing developments, organisations and people in the region, and are promoted by the Essex Developers Group and South Essex Housing Group.  

An independent judging panel made up of housing practitioners and advisors from the public and private sector were tasked with drawing up a shortlist from a range of high standard nominations. SECTA was praised for its example of collaboration and innovation, and its successes in delivering construction skills in South Essex and meeting its various targets.

A joint project between Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock councils – along with industry partners – SECTA aims to train 650 people to help them gain employment within the construction sector.

The Academy was launched after attracting just under £1m of funding from the Construction Skills Fund (CSF). The CSF is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered by CITB with the aim of training more than 13,000 people to be ready for employment in the construction industry by March 2020.

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “Ensuring the construction sector has the right skills is critical to whether it can successfully meet an accelerated housing delivery target in Essex.

“I am delighted that the SECTA project has been recognised in this way by partners in the construction industry and wider education and training arena. Construction is a major employer in Southend and wider Essex and can offer a secure and lucrative career.”

Steve Radley, Policy Director at the Construction Industry Training Board, added: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved in the South Essex Construction Training Academy whose hard work and dedication has made it such a success.

“Award wins and recognition like this highlight the importance of learning hubs such as SECTA in making a difference to regions across England. At CITB we’re inspired by the dedication of the teams making sure projects like the Construction Skills Fund are successful.”

SECTA can provide training and support into the construction industry for anyone 18 years old and above and not currently employed in the industry.