Pictured: Mansell training manager Jeremy Lydiatt(right) with Apprentice of the Year Stephen Lediard and his line manager Wayne Gwilt

Mansell's Stourbridge-based Western Region has been granted National Skills Academy for Construction status for its building projects. The four year programme begins in the spring.

Achieving National Skills Academy status is a major accolade for Mansell and means that local people will be offered construction training opportunities at all levels, delivered directly on-site rather than offsite through pre-established training courses.

The company will develop an employment and skills plan incorporating education engagement programmes, support for existing employees and its supply chain, and promotion of the construction industry.

The training hub for the programme will be based at Mansell's Stourbridge offices, with satellite training facilities available on the company's larger sites.

The National Skills Academy for Construction is an employer-led initiative hosted by CITB Construction Skills, the sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for construction. The initiative aims to deliver high quality, tailored training on-site, both to prepare people for jobs, to up-skill the existing workforce and to attract new blood into the industry.

Regional managing director Steve Davies said the firm was delighted with the achievement and took people development very seriously.

"National Skills Academy accreditation will help us improve our workforce and provide high standards of workmanship on projects," he said.

Training is provided on-site and is specific to each project, ensuring the right mix of skills is available. The training is delivered through an on-site co-ordinator. As a main contractor, the aim will be to help the building community in the region develop skills that are essential to the trade.