DEVELOPERS could soon have to provide a number of local apprenticeships if they want to build in Swindon.

Earlier this week it was agreed Swindon will apply for ‘National Skills Academy’ status with the Construction Industry Training Board, which will help create and develop employment skills and opportunities.

It would allow the council to ensure CITB training courses were included in development agreements, meaning a certain number of apprenticeships and training positions would have to be provided.

The move comes following the revelation that many companies struggle to find local workers when starting out on construction projects.

Councillor Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member for the economy and regeneration said this application would help to address this issue.

He said: “This is something we have been aware of for a while. There are a lot of developments coming to Swindon in the coming years so it is important Swindon is able to provide the workforce.

“It will mean when the council is giving out contracts, and even in other bigger developments, we will be able to ask them to use this course.

“Previously we have not been able to do this because of various laws but this status will change that.

“The college has just opened a construction centre which will be ideal for providing the classroom elements of the apprenticeships.”

The scheme is used by about 30 other local authorities around the country and has a framework setting out the number of positions which must be given depending on the size of the project.

For example, a residential scheme of between £3.5 million and £6 million would provide 30 positions, including five work placements and work for three existing apprenticeships.

For larger £100 million projects this rises to something in the region of 135 positions.

The proposal was put forward at cabinet on Wednesday but has received support from the opposition Labour group.

Coun Mark Dempsey (Lab, Walcot and Park North) said: “One of my priorities is to build the Swindon economy and get young people back into work.

“I am happy to support getting people in work placements as this has been very successful and I think this is of great benefit to young people.

“However, we must do even more which is why I will push for Swindon to get a new university.”