What is J21?
J21 is a project set-up to help local businesses and people based in Oldham & Rochdale secure construction contracts and employment on local developments.
To do this, we work with Councils, their partners and developers responsible for large capital projects, across a range of construction activity, such as: new build housing and housing refurbishment, new build commercial and retail developments, housing repair and maintenance, and infrastructure works.
To identify people who want to work in construction and secure training, work with The Oldham College, Hopwood Hall College, Job Centre Plus, other training providers, referral Learning and Skills Council, Construction Skills and other local and national agencies.
How can J21 help me find a job?
There are lots of people looking for work in construction, but unfortunately most jobs require people with experience and skills.
J21 was established to primarily help people without the skills or experience find work in construction; these maybe unemployed, in temporary employment, at risk of redundancy or studying at college or university. We also help local people with construction related skills find employment in the sector to help meet the demand created by the huge investment in capital projects.
Previous vacancies filled by J21 include:
• General Site Operatives.
• Site Security personnel.
• Plant Operators.
• Conventional apprenticeships.
• Traineeships for adults in either a craft discipline or technical/management position for graduates.
• Site administrators.
• Skilled Craft Operatives.
• Site/Contracts Managers
• HGV Drivers.
To receive our help, you will to need to apply to register; to do this click here. Once we’ve received your application we will make a decision whether or not to register you with our service. This will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of people we have registered, the demand for your skills, your work/life skills, your general work/life experience and your references. We do not register anyone below 18 years of age.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll be invited for a one-to-one interview to establish your needs and the type of assistance we can offer. If you possess skills that employers require then you’ll be job matched as soon as a suitable vacancy arises. If you do not possess any construction related skills you will be placed on some form of technical training, depending upon availability. This could be a short course or a course that last 2-3 years, which will place a big demand on your personal time and commitment; as you will be required you to attend college on day-release or 2 evenings per week. This requires a lot of motivation, if your working in the day as general operative or site labourer.
Please note: we only assist people that are highly motivated and committed to securing a career in construction. If you fail to meet the requirements of a course or job, due to poor performance, then our assistance will be withdrawn and you will be deregistered from our service. For example, we have deregistered people for failing to attend job interviews or training courses.
How do I get an apprenticeship or traineeship through J21?
One each major development, apprenticeship opportunities will be created for young people aged 16-25 and adults aged 25+ across a range of construction trades. When this occurs, we short list people from our database or people studying construction at college/university and prepare them for an interview with the employer.
We select people that possess a minimum 1 years experience at college and can demonstrate a good understanding and technical ability in their chosen trade. We will also request a reference from a college/university tutor to establish attendance, time keeping, punctuality, attitude, motivation, technical skill, achievement rate and general commitment.
We will then arrange a formal interview with the contractor and score a candidates response to a number of pre set interview questions. We use objective criteria to determine the most suitable candidate for the job. Most employers will expect an apprentice/trainee to travel-to-work, this could be anywhere within a 60 mile radius of Oldham & Rochdale, so you must be ready for an early start and occasionally employers may expect you to have a driving licence and use of a car.
How do I get onto a training course?
Over the last 2 years J21 has invested over £250,000 on training local people in construction, this has included courses such as:
• CSCS cards
• Plant licences
• Manual Handling
• Abrasive Wheels
• Slinger Banksman
• PASMA
• Construction tasters
• Electrical Installation
• Plastering
• Brickwork
• Carpentry and Joinery
• Scaffolding
• Driving Licences
• Plumbing.
• HNC Building Studies
• Foundation Degree in Construction
• First Aid at Work.
Securing a training course will be dependant upon meeting the course entry requirements, availability, cost and employer demand. Once you’ve registered with J21 we will arrange a one-one interview to determine your needs and career aspirations. Following this, we will put together an individual training plan that sets-out your route into construction.
How can J21 help my business secure local work?
One of core objectives is to secure subcontracting opportunities for local contractors across all publicly funded developments.
Over 100 local contractors are registered with J21; most of these are featured on this website, listed under the Local Contractors Directory. Developers securing public sector contracts are given access to this list and encouraged to consult the database. In some instances, we place an obligation on developers to invite suitable contractors to tender for work packages.
The following local contractors have secured contracts on local developments:
• PGC Demolition, with Bullock and Artisan Construction Group
• D-TEC Electrical, with Wilson Bowden Developments.
• John Lloyd (Heywood), with Wilson Bowden Developments.
• M K Piling, with Artisan Construction Group.
• Westshield, with Bullock.
• John Abbott Flooring, with Bullock.
• Smart Electrical, with Bullock.
• Lostock Roofing, with Bullock.