A FORMAL training academy has been set up to create career prospects within the construction industry.

Housing and care provider Sanctuary Group is building a 60-bed care home, a 60-unit extra care scheme and a mix of 40 close care apartments and bungalows at the £22m Sanctuary Grove site in St John's, Worcester, with its construction partner Stepnell.

As part of the scheme, near he new St John’s House Medical Centre on the University Park site, the group has joined up with Stepnell, Jobcentre Plus and Worcester College of Technology to set up a sector-based work academy at the site.

Peter Martin, Sanctuary’s group director - property, said: “Sector-based work academies have been tried and tested nationally and are known to offer participants a chance to learn a new skill but also the practical experience that will secure them that first job. We are proud to be providing this opportunity at our Sanctuary Grove development in Worcester and look forward to working with our local partners over the coming weeks and months to ensure the initiative is a success for all those involved.”

The group's six-week academy started on May 12 and involves eight trainees recruited locally via Jobcentre Plus, who will attend Worcester College of Technology for the formal element of the training while the practical experience will be gained on site.

Each trainee will have the opportunity to learn specific construction skills, including carpentry and brickwork, as well as health and safety and emergency first aid skills.

Sanctuary Grove is due for completion in the spring of 2015 and the site is one of the group’s National Skills Academy for Construction accredited developments and it has already seen two students complete work experience placements and three young apprentices learn a new trade.

The development forms part of a wider scheme by the University of Worcester which will include a health and wellbeing campus, a business and enterprise campus and a university learning campus.