St Wilfrid’s pupils building foundations with Gentoo & Sunderland College

Pupils from St Wilfrid’s RC College have taken their first steps towards a career in construction as the first cohort of the Gentoo Trades Academy.

The academy, an innovative skills partnership between housing association Gentoo, Sunderland College, and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust (BCCET), will give 14-16-year-olds the essential practical skills and knowledge in various technical trades to prepare them for future careers in the construction industry.

Following an inspiring presentation from Gentoo’s CEO Louise Bassett, who highlighted how the housing association contributes to Sunderland’s social and economic wellbeing and the potential career routes available, the cohort also heard from the college’s Construction Faculty Director Simon Muschamp and BCCET CEO Brendan Tapping about the unique opportunities the academy will offer.

They then took a tour of the college’s state-of-the-art City Campus, including the workshops, facilities, and immersive learning environments where they will hone their skills.

James, 15, who studied on the Building Careers Programme pilot before moving to the Gentoo Trades Academy, said: “I chose to study at the academy as it’s so unique and different to other GCSE subjects and will bring so many opportunities in the future.

“I think it’s important to learn a skilled trade early, and this will give me experience to progress to a construction course or apprenticeship. Trades are more important now than ever.”

Tiffany, 14, added: “I’m hoping to work in construction in the future and this is a great opportunity, not just getting skills for a job but helping me become more independent in life.”

Initially based at City Campus, the academy will move to the college’s new Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) when the world-class training centre opens in 2025.

Studying towards a specialised construction qualification alongside their GCSEs to advance the skills pipeline in the region, the curriculum will include retrofit related skills, modern methods of construction as well as the essential trade skills include multi-skills, health and safety and essential communication skills when working in customer homes.

Supported by the college and a team of colleagues from Gentoo, the pupils will benefit from mentorship programmes and work placements, giving them real-world experience and the chance to build connections within the construction industry.

Upon graduating, they will receive a guaranteed unconditional offer to continue their education at Sunderland College or a guaranteed interview at Gentoo for an apprenticeship.

Ellen Thinnesen, CEO of Sunderland College and Education Partnership North East, said: “Gentoo, Bishop Chadwick and Sunderland College are utilising their collective power to create life changing local opportunities for young people, providing direct line of site to guaranteed higher level study pathways, and apprenticeships.

“The partnership also builds a skilled pipeline earlier, which is essential for the city and the construction and housing sectors.”

Louise Bassett, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, said: “Launching the Trades Academy with Sunderland College and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust has been really exciting and we’re looking forward to working together with the students and showing them the vital skills they’ll need to start a career in a trade.

“Every student has high aspirations of what they want to do in the future, and I would love to see them join our team at Gentoo when they finish their qualification.”

Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to provide opportunities for our students to learn practical skills alongside their academic qualifications.

“As a Trust we are keen to ensure all our students can be the best version of themselves and are able to forge successful and fulfilling careers. It is wonderful to offer these opportunities in our local community.”

Sunderland College has worked in partnership with Gentoo for several years, with dozens of apprentices securing full-time positions within the housing association. This led to the formalisation of a strategic partnership in 2017 to develop the region’s workforce.

To date, the collaboration has allowed Sunderland College to ensure its students are gaining the necessary skills to prepare them for the world of work and have helped Gentoo to promote employment and career opportunities to students through work experience initiatives, whilst providing further development and training to develop its workforce.