DIY Skills Week equips Trafford young people with practical skills

Young people from across Trafford recently took part in a first-of-its-kind DIY Skills Week at Trafford College—an initiative designed to build confidence, develop practical trade skills, and inspire future careers in construction.

The event was delivered in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group, GMI Construction Group, Trafford Council, and Trafford Virtual School.

DIY Skills Week forms part of Construction Cares, GMI’s new social value initiative focused on creating long-term community impact. The programme brings together local organisations and industry professionals to deliver practical learning experiences and pathways into employment for people who may face barriers to opportunity.

Held over three days at Trafford College’s industry-standard construction workshops, the programme offered care-leaving young people and others interested in developing their skills a chance to explore a range of trades in a friendly, structured environment.

Throughout the event, participants took part in:

· Tiling, carpentry & joinery, delivered by Trafford & Stockport College Group and TMJ Contractors Ltd

· Painting & decorating, led by Lee Fitzmartin from Smith Painters Ltd

· Plumbing, supported by Turnkey Air Conditioning Ltd

· Electrical installation, delivered by JDEL Property Ltd

The College ensured each attendee was fully equipped with PPE and provided access to professional tools and materials. Daily lunches and a toolkit to take home helped make the experience feel both valuable and personal.

Lexi Turnbull, from Trafford Council, said: “I am thrilled at what we’ve achieved with this first event. To attract 20 participants was wonderful, but it speaks volumes to their enjoyment that they returned each day – and on time.”

James Bruce, Project Manager at GMI Construction Group, added: “The Construction Cares DIY workshop is part of GMI Construction’s Responsible Strategy and an initiative we are very proud of. This is more than a technical skills workshop—it brings local communities together and builds relationships. To have 20 attendees consistently over the three days shows the impact the session had.”

Stewart Quayle, Head of Department for Construction, Trafford & Stockport College Group, concluded: “We are incredibly proud to have hosted DIY Skills Week and to see our facilities used in such an impactful way. The enthusiasm and growth shown by each participant over the three days highlights the value of learning in a practical, inclusive setting. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on future sessions.”

Next steps will see the College and its partners supporting participants to gain their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards—helping to unlock future opportunities in training, apprenticeships, or employment in the sector.