Contractors sought for £37.5m training roles

Bids are being sought for contracts to recruit and train "hard to reach" individuals for social housing improvement projects worth up to £37.5m over four years.

The contracts are being offered by Manchester-based Procure Plus on behalf of Re:allies, an alliance formed between Cumbria Housing Partners, Procure Plus Associates and Efficiency North.

Lots include waste clearance and security contracts in Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester; minor refurbishment works in Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester; and Major refurbishment works in Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

In each case, contractors will be required to "pro-actively identify, recruit and retain trainee candidates from a range of hard to reach groups who wish to gain experience of the world of work and who aspire to secure long term employment in the construction industry".

The tender document states: "PP's members, clients and customers are wholly committed to the creation of training and employment opportunities for individuals who are furthest from the labour market, groups that are under-represented within the construction industry or individuals that may otherwise be overlooked or marginalised within the labour market.

"These groups include, but are not limited to, people from a black or minority ethnic background, ex-offenders, females and young people who are not in education, employment or training.

"PP has identified that works to social housing properties, and in particular, works to empty properties, create an ideal basis for the individuals described to attain employability skills and eventually progress from entry level positions through to becoming a qualified tradesperson."