Newark Academy's construction department funded by Nottingham business J Wright Roofing on firm foundations

A bigger site to teach apprentices about construction has opened at Newark Academy, meaning apprenticeships in the area are on firm footings.

Jason Wright, owner of J Wright Roofing, funded the creation of a construction department that provides an early introduction to the learning of skills that has now grown into bigger premises due to the increased take-up.

The project will teach and develop a number of skills to the students and provide a direct link to the industry, including post-16 apprenticeships.

Newark Academy head Chris Fisher and Jason Wright have worked together on a similar project from 2008 until now at Bulwell Academy.

Local businesses Gusto Homes and Derry Building Services, who have been involved with the project, were present at the official opening to meet the students.

Jason Wright said: “The reason I got involved is that as a local company we were struggling to get apprentices and, not just apprentices, but the right calibre apprentices.

“If a local business like Derry’s or Gusto wants to take on a youngster, this is on their doorstep.

“For me as a company, it’s creating a lasting legacy, which then creates this conveyor belt of talent coming through, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve here, albeit in a small way.”

The facility at Newark Academy has increased its intake due to the number of students applying.

Jerome Wright, from Gusto, said the industry is facing a shortage in labour.

The company will offer experience in the classroom and on its sites to those enrolled.

He said: “The young guys here today are interested and showing an interest in construction at this age, having the opportunity to get their hands dirty and to physically build things, hopefully inspires them to want to get into construction.

“It also gives us as a business an opportunity to engage with them and identify the ones that we want to invest in and bring into the business.”

Headteacher Chris Fisher said: “I am incredibly proud to be able to offer our students a variety of routes through their education experiences whilst at Newark Academy, and of the staff who enable that.

“We are passionate about ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to achieve their ambitions and the construction department is providing it for this group of students.

“It is fantastic to have Derry and Gusto, two significant figures within the local area onboard and we hope to forge strong relationships which will support our students on their journey.”

Tony Wagstaffe, the lead construction teacher at the department said that last year, from 90 students, 45 applications to the class had to be rejected due to lack of space and availability.

He said: “These students come here under bad weather, if it’s cold they come out, if it’s raining they come.

“It’s life skills, it’s about teaching what is really like at work and they absolutely love it.”

Conservative Member of Parliament for Newark Robert Jenrick cut the ribbon at the site.

Mr Jenrick said: “Newark has a really strong history of construction industry, jobs and number of successful businesses.

“It’s really important to build strong links between schools and local businesses, to encourage the businesses to meet young people at an early age, inform them about their choices and encourage them to go down the apprenticeship route and view that as an equal standing to post 16 academic qualifications.”