Delivered in collaboration with The Kings Trust, this programme uses a data-driven approach to identify young people involved in serious violence. Its primary aim is to support these individuals into careers in the construction industry by providing training to help them earn their CSCS card (a requirement for working on construction sites).

The programme includes a week of CSCS-focused education and health and safety training, and young people will have the opportunity to gain a Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and a working at height qualification. The week also features careers talks from professionals in the construction industry and interactive activities to help consolidate their learning.

In the second week,  young people visit a live building site to help build connections with employers and gain insight into daily life on a construction site. Following the two-week programme, participants receive up to three months of mentoring support, including help with CSCS revision and booking tests, as well as guidance around employment, education and other relevant opportunities. This will help ensure a smoother transition for participants post-course.

This programme is also supported by partner agencies such as Youth Justice Services, Police and Education Services. These agencies support in selecting cohorts for the course as well as delivering the course over the two weeks.

To date, 2 courses have been delivered in Southampton and 1 course has been delivered in Portsmouth, with each area set to host another course later in the year. Each course will be evaluated to measure outcomes such as changes in offending behaviour and improvements in participants’ social capital.