Proposals to introduce a National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) based around new developments in the town are due to be discussed by Daventry District Council (DDC) at its strategy meeting tonight (Thursday).

A recommendation has been put forward that the council will welcome the move and become a stakeholder in the NSAfC Regional Partnership, as well of the West Northamptonshire Develop-ment Corporation (WNDC) Construction Futures (CF) project.

The NSAfC will provide a ‘significant’ opportunity for training, development and employment in the construction sector, which would see a new site-based, employer led approach, transforming building sites into learning environments. The CF project would support the delivery of construction training in the area and would aim to establish high skills levels in the industry, improve training for young and unemployed people and increase the number of on-site training work placements.

Chris Millar, leader of DDC, said: “This is fantastic news for Daventry and we’re happy to have this in the town.

“This will help people with employment during the economic downturn, which is very positive.”

Initially the two projects were independent but with both aiming to maximise training and employment benefits, it has now been decided to combine them.

The NSAfC’s target is to recruit 40 new apprentices, help 57 people pass the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, provide 60 people with on-site safety training and offer school visits.

Work would spread across the entire proposed town developments, including commercial, residential, leisure and infrastructure.

The CF project would assist 500 people in developing construction skills, 280 to achieve qualifications, support 60 businesses and help 280 people get into employment.

Cllr Millar said: “The extension of Daventry will go on for some years and will create a lot of opportunity.

“People go off to university elsewhere to get construction jobs but now they won’t have to.

“It will be good for the local economy and that’s important.

“There will be more work locally so it’s good that Daventry is getting involved.”

Chris Over, regeneration and employment portfolio holder at DDC, added: “Daventry will be seen as a centre of excellence.

“There is a need for enhanced skills, particularly when it comes to the building industry. “

Timescales for both projects are uncertain at the moment but the NSAfC will be formally launched later this month.