Morgan Sindall skills programme returns to Salford

Morgan Sindall Construction is bringing its Knowledge Quad back to Salford as part of the residential scheme it is delivering for developer English Cities Fund (ECF). 

The Knowledge Quad is a multi-purpose training and learning facility located within a live Morgan Sindall Construction site. 

The site, known as Plot C2 of Salford’s New Bailey development, is based around a 23-storey residential building.

The facility gives people outside the industry insight into construction jobs and also delivers social value by supporting local skills, education, employment and discovery.

To mark the introduction of the Knowledge Quad, the project team gathered at the C2 site in Salford, where Morgan Sindall, ECF, Build Salford, Salford Employment Hub, CBRE, Renaissance and Hawkins Brown held a commissioning event to discuss each partner’s ideas and hopes for the facility.

Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall’s north west area director, said: “The construction industry offers incredible opportunities for people from all backgrounds, and we’re committed to helping local communities access these and upskill the next generation. 

“Our Knowledge Quad provides a hands-on, real-world approach to understanding the modern construction environment. It enables individuals to engage with staff and the supply chain safely and effectively. 

“With facilities for classroom, digital, outdoor and site-based learning, we cultivate a wide range of skills that promote both personal and professional growth. Although this facility is located at one of our projects in central Salford, it serves the entire Salford region, making a significant impact on the community.”

Gregory also spoke of the commitment to inclusivity behind the project, which offers a range of activities designed to support individuals furthest from the labour market and to introduce construction careers to underrepresented groups.

“Central to this mission is the introduction of ‘Your Space’, a dedicated wellbeing room on the project site,” he said.

“The Your Space element offers a sanctuary for anyone needing a moment of respite, whether due to feeling overwhelmed, needing a place to pray or meditate, or simply taking a break. This initiative underscores our dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.”

Local people interested in construction careers previously benefited from the programme when Morgan Sindall introduced a Knowledge Quad during the construction phase of the Science, Engineering and Environmental (SEE) Building at the University of Salford, which was completed in 2022.

On that occasion, the facility was used as a base to host two employment courses for Build Salford, a consortium of construction employers, social housing providers and key support agencies, which offers training opportunities for Salford residents. 

By engaging with Build Salford, Morgan Sindall was able to assist 24 local young people in securing long-term employment.