An academy that will give long-term skills training to hundreds of people from Scarborough and the local region was today opened by Willmott Dixon’s Group Chief Executive, Rick Willmott.

Located at Willmott Dixon’s office on Newchase Court, Hopper Hill Road, the skills academy is a joint venture with the trade union UCATT and Yorkshire Coast Homes, for which Willmott Dixon is responsible for providing a repairs and maintenance service to its housing stock in Scarborough and Whitby.

Joining Rick Willmott at the opening was the mayor of Scarborough, Steve Murphy, regional secretary of UCATT and Steve Oldridge, chief executive of Yorkshire Coast Home.

The new facility will provide trade skills training for Willmott Dixon’s local team and is available for others in the community to learn and develop life long trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, joinery and decorating.

The academy will be open to people on work experience assignments, tenants of Yorkshire Coast Homes and those looking to find out more about the construction sector.

Derek Dyer, Willmott Dixon’s general manager at Scarborough, says, “As a private company, we have strong family values and this includes giving people the very best skills training, even when times are tougher and other companies scale back their training investment. We work in the heart community and believe in investing in the future that creates a lasting legacy.”

Sharon Ayles, training manager at Willmott Dixon said, “Training and education is a cornerstone of a successful business and by making the investment now in collaboration with our partners, we are providing a platform for the future prosperity of many people in the area.”

This is initiative is part of the Willmott Dixon’s unique ‘Opening Doors’ program offering tailored training and development opportunities for people.

To find out further information on accessing this training please email: opening.doors@willmottdixon.co.uk