The Construction Industry Training Board is about to launch its latest scheme to persuade people to apply for a job in the labour-starved construction industry – by taking projects to them.
The CITB is hoping to attract local residents and construction students on the Marsh Farm regeneration project in Luton next year. It is believed to be the first time the CITB has used its Local Collaborative Partnership initiative on a regeneration project.

The locals would work alongside students from the construction department of Barnfield College in Luton on a 150,000 ft2 community centre. Work is due to start after a contractor is appointed next year.

Debbie Davies, the CITB's regional strategy adviser, said: "The CITB is looking to increase representation within the industry. Over a 12-month period we hope to get between 20 and 30 people in the Marsh Farm area into the construction industry."

She added: "We're looking to put a proposal to the community development trust."

Barnfield College has worked with its students on two self-build housing schemes in Luton in recent years. It will use this expertise to help supervise the students and local residents. David Robson, head of construction at the college, said: "We met with people from Marsh Farm and the CITB in the summer. We have an outline agreement and the idea is ongoing."

Over a 12-month period we hope to get between 20 and 30 people in the Marsh Farm area into the construction industry

Debbie Davies, CITB regional strategy adviser

The CITB, the East of England Development Agency and the Marsh Farm Community Development Trust have held meetings to discuss how the scheme will be set up.

Marsh Farm is expected to have an end value of more than £50m. The scheme will cost £11m to build, although there is still a funding gap of £4m. This is likely to be funded through bank debt.

The aim of the project is to help foster a sense of community after the area was troubled by riots during the 1990s.