An innovative free adult learning scheme has set dozens of Walsall people on the road to success in construction after a bite of specialist training.

Twenty three local people are celebrating their success in obtaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card (CSCS) after taking a free taster course as part of Walsall Bite Size.

The adult learners, who were mostly all unemployed, are now a step closer to a career in construction, as the card is essential for anyone wanting to work on a construction site.

Craig Matthews, of Walsall Construction Training, who worked with business partner Kevin Lloyd and Walsall Lifelong Learning Alliance to put on the courses, said the 100% pass rate was an amazing result.

“It is a brilliant result for the students as many of them had no or very little knowledge of the construction industry before starting the course,” he said.

“And because many of them had been unemployed, there were issues with their confidence levels at the start of the course.

“The students tackled all aspects of health and safety as part of the course and I am delighted all the students who took the exam passed.

“Their cards have now been sent out and I hope this will be the start of a new career in the industry.”

The CSCS card covers anyone working on a construction site, from cleaners and delivery drivers to electricians and builders and if paid for by an individual, it could cost up to £175 to sit the exam.

Colin Robinson, manager of Walsall Lifelong Learning Alliance, said the course had been immensely popular, with three applications for every place.

“The course was one of the most oversubscribed of the 450 available as part of Bite Size so I’m delighted the people who enrolled had such a great success,” he said.

“Walsall Bite Size offers a range of courses ranging from the fun sessions like salsa and belly dancing to far more practical courses like plumbing and construction.

“The taster sessions give adult learners the chance to try a new subject for free and in this case will hopefully be the start of a new career for them.”

Pictured left to right are: Kevin Lloyd from Walsall Construction Training, Colin Robinson and Karen Donoghue from Walsall Lifelong Learning Alliance and Craig Matthews also from Walsall Construction Training.