The Skills Centre targets local skills shortages  

The Skills Centre has partnered with new construction recruitment app JobMatcha, to offer recently trained workers access to local jobs.  

The organisation has also been chosen as JobMatcha’s preferred training provider to upskill applicants with training tailored to local skills shortages. 

Skilled construction workers can build their own digital profile on the app, which allows them to access The Skills Centre construction training and specify the rate they want to be paid.  

The app matches those workers with jobs at the correct rate of pay and geographical areas, and provides access to wellbeing facilities. 

For employers, the app offers training opportunities via The Skills Centre, automated right to work checks, and access to groups that contractors might otherwise struggle to reach. 

Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, said of the partnership: “This app is just what our industry needs. It allows workers not only to set their desired rates of pay, but also allows them access to training to upskill themselves and get the right jobs in the right area. 

“We are thrilled that we will be offering JobMatcha users the opportunity to train with us, and that we can offer this app to our newly qualified workers – many of whom will be taking the leap into the construction sector for the first time – and so having access to jobs, wellbeing facilities and regulatory details in one digital space, will be really important for them.”  

JobMatcha will complement the work of sister company RIFT Social Enterprise, which provides employability services for marginalised groups, such as people with convictions.   

Mark Woodcock, CEO of JobMatcha, said: “At JobMatcha, we strive to create employment opportunities for a local, site-ready workforce. We want to match responsible, accredited workers with caring construction companies to benefit the communities in which they both work. 

“We also want to help employers and contractors with data that will help them with social value targets, building a vital understanding of diversity and inclusion, skills shortages and training requirements across London.” 

The Skills Centre is also working with RIFT Social Enterprise, which is currently running a pilot project to train people with convictions across London.  

The pilot will provide funded training and career support, delivered to people in prison or under supervision of the probation services, and will prepare learners for returning to the workforce. 

Read more about how ex-offenders are helping to close construction skills gaps here.