Celebrating inclusive opportunities in construction with Build Salford

Salford is leading the way in creating real opportunities for young people to enter the construction industry, and the latest Build Salford event showcased just how impactful these efforts are. Hosted by Salford City Council, the event brought together employers, training providers, and young people to highlight inclusive pathways into the sector.

Championing meaningful pathways into construction

A key theme of the event was the need for strong, supportive transition pathways for young people—especially those who may have faced barriers to education or employment. Lorraine, a dedicated Transitions Mentor, shared her experiences of working with young people in alternative provisions and on the Build Salford Traineeship. She highlighted the importance of:

• building trusted relationships and providing one-to-one support to guide young people through post-16 options
• industry insights through employer and training provider partnerships, ensuring young people understand the expectations and opportunities within construction
• small but crucial adaptations to recruitment and induction processes that help ensure young people’s needs are met, resulting in better transitions and outcomes

Through the Build Salford Traineeship, Lorraine and the team have been able to reconnect with young people who became NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), helping them get back on track. Whether securing an apprenticeship, a job, or an additional training pathway, the traineeship has been a game-changer.

'Real-world' exposure and industry connections

One of the standout successes of Build Salford has been its ability to introduce young people to 'real-world' construction environments. Through bespoke site visits across Salford and Manchester, young people have had the chance to meet role models who have walked similar paths and overcome adversity to build successful careers.

“Meeting people already in the industry gives young people a real sense of opportunity,” Lorraine noted. “They get to see firsthand what’s possible and start believing in their own potential.”

Addressing barriers and expanding opportunities

While the event was a celebration, it also raised an important challenge: the lack of accessible entry routes into construction for 16- and 17-year-olds. Many young people complete multi-trades courses during school but find themselves stuck when it comes to progressing further. Without clear pathways into training or employment, their skills and enthusiasm risk being lost.

Build Salford is actively tackling this issue, piloting health and safety training, CSCS card preparation, and employer introductions in alternative provision settings. This hands-on approach is crucial in ensuring that young people—especially those who have faced barriers in education—have a fighting chance to enter a thriving sector.

Success stories: making a real impact

The event also showcased inspiring success stories, such as Leon, who persistently sought out education, training, or employment opportunities. Thanks to Build Salford and a short course in spray plastering, he has now secured employment as a labourer—demonstrating the real-world impact of these initiatives.

A bright future for Salford’s young people

As Build Salford continues to grow, the focus remains on ensuring that no young person is left behind. The event reinforced the need for continued collaboration between employers, training providers, and mentors to create a seamless transition into the industry. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, Salford is paving the way for the next generation of skilled construction workers.

For more information on how you or your organisation can get involved with Build Salford, email buildsalford@salford.gov.uk